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EZEKIEL PHALANA
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Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, visited Busisiwe Primary School in Soweto on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, following disturbing allegations of sexual assault involving a Grade 4 learner and an educator at the school.
During the visit, MEC Maile received a briefing from the school management, School Governing Body (SGB), South African Police Service (SAPS) and other community stakeholders on the allegations and the interventions undertaken.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) confirmed that the implicated educator has been placed on precautionary suspension pending the finalisation of disciplinary proceedings.
In a move to prioritise the learner’s well-being, MEC Maile instructed the Department’s Psychosocial Support Team to provide the necessary emotional and psychological support to the affected learner and her family.
MEC Maile appealed to parents, learners and the surrounding community to remain calm and allow law enforcement authorities and the relevant departmental processes to proceed without interference or prejudgment.
“We understand the concerns and emotions surrounding these disturbing allegations. However, we appeal for calm and urge everyone to allow the necessary processes to unfold. We must ensure that justice is not compromised by interference or speculation,” said MEC Maile.
The MEC also expressed concern about gender-based violence and the abuse of children, highlighting the collective responsibility of families, schools and communities to safeguard children and uphold the values that promote their safety, dignity and development.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and it equally takes a village to protect a child. Parents, educators, religious leaders and communities must work together to protect our children and create conducive environments for their development into responsible, productive and desirable citizens. Schools cannot carry this responsibility alone,” Maile emphasised.
The MEC further urged members of the media to exercise responsibility, sensitivity and balance when reporting on the matter. He stressed the importance of protecting the learner’s identity and dignity, respecting the ongoing processes and avoiding sensationalist reporting that could cause unnecessary public alarm or further harm those affected.
The Gauteng Department of Education reaffirmed its commitment to learner safety, the protection of children and the strengthening of measures to ensure that schools remain safe and supportive environments for teaching and learning.
The Department’s priority remains the well-being of the affected learner, while ensuring that the appropriate legal and departmental processes are allowed to take their course.