By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit:Yishel Panchia.
The school governing body (SGB) of Hoërskool Jan Viljoen in Randfontein has agreed to suspend a teacher who was accused of sexual harassment by pupils.
This week, the school made national headlines after clashes broke out between black and white parents over allegations of racism at the school.
Gauteng MEC of Education Panyaza Lesufi was scheduled to meet with parents at the school, but it had to be postponed due to a rainstorm.
Speaking to the media, Lesufi confirmed the suspension.
“I spoke to the SGB, and it has agreed to suspend the staff member that was implicated by learners in terms of sexual harassment cases. The intention today was to update parents on this,” he said.
On Monday, both parents and pupils outed the alleged sex pest, claiming he asked pupils to visit him at his home.
The meeting has been postponed to Sunday.
Meanwhile, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has launched an investigation into alleged racially-motivated clashes at the school.
SAHRC Commissioner Andre Gaum said: “We have decided to investigate the alleagtions of unfair discrimination and racism at the school as well as the voice note being circulated on social media where learners are being called the so-called “K” word.”
Gaum said the Commission had an interview with the school’s principal to find out what happened and says the investigation is ongoing and more interviews would have to be conducted.