The Eastern Cape Department of Education is investigating allegations of sexual abuse against educators at J.S. Skenjana Senior Secondary School in Dutywa.

This after social media went abuzz in recent days with users alleging that some teachers have impregnated learners.

“I have a friend who was impregnated by the alleged perpetrator in this school and the child is still there; very much alive.”

These are the words of a former learner, Oyena Mniki, who says she saw first-hand the bad behaviour of some of the educators at the school towards one of her teenage friends.

And almost a decade after she left the school, things are still the same.

“It has been happening for decades because I left the school in 2016 and the ill-behaviour from the educators still happened. Also, just to add, SADTU and the Department of Education are very aware of what has been happening. Parents and also learners did go and report, but nothing has been done. So, we want them to be brought to book and for the perpetrators to account,” adds Mniki.

The school governing body (SGB) has expressed disappointment at the shocking revelations.

SGB chairperson Siphe Mnyani says they want the Department of Education to act against teachers who have been implicated.

“We are very seriously concerned, even us as parents, of these allegations. At the end of the day, we are waiting for this process of investigation to prevail so that everybody in this society is comfortable. Let’s wait for the investigation so that if anyone is implicated in the process, justice must be served.”

This is not the first time a school in Dutywa is embroiled in sexual abuse allegations.

In 2023, Bonkolo Senior Secondary School was in the news amid allegations of teachers impregnating learners.

Two teachers were placed on precautionary suspension pending an investigation.

The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in the Amathole Region has condemned the alleged sexual abuse.

Regional chairperson of the ANCYL, Buhle Somdaka says a thorough investigation is not only needed at J.S. Skenjana, but in other schools where allegations of the same nature have been making the rounds.

The Department of Education says it is aware of the allegations at the school.

Spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima says they are working with other stakeholders to look into the matter.

“As a department, we have started an investigation yesterday (Monday) following the introduction of the team to the school that is led by our labour services. We hope that before the end of this week, we’ll be wrapping up our investigation on the matter. We have roped in the Department of Social Development, the Department of Health and the police to ensure that when we do the awareness and start talking to the kids, everybody knows what is expected of them and to make sure our schools are safe and secured.”

Last week, learners of St John’s College in Mthatha took to the streets, complaining about the same issue.

Seven educators have since been reportedly placed on precautionary suspension.

DISCUSSION | Spotlight on sexual abuse allegations by teachers: