'Teachers prey on pupils for sex'

164 new cases reported in the last two financial years.

- Thando Nondywana

ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL RELATIONS ON RISE

The Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) is facing a troubling increase in cases involving teachers allegedly engaging in sexual relationships with pupils, raising concerns about the frequency of such misconduct in South African schools.

According to the ELRC, there has been an ongoing rise in the number of cases involving teachers who have been implicated in relationships with pupils across the country.

Regarding allegations of sexual misconduct, 82 cases were referred during 2022/23 and a further 82 cases during the 2023/24 financial years, with the Eastern Cape leading the numbers.

ELRC general secretary Dr Cindy Foca said while no clear patterns or trends had been identified, the steady influx of sexual misconduct cases remains a serious concern for the council. The provincial departments of education handled investigations, but challenges persist, she said.