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10 Nov 2010

The Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga would like to thank the media, gender rights groups, and members of the general public, who came out to strongly condemn the alleged gang rape of a 15 year old girl at a Johannesburg school.

The public outcry is indeed a gratifying indication that we are united in our fight against abuse and violence against women and children, especially as we enter the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.

We thank the media for bringing this unfortunate incident to our attention. However we would like to appeal for space and time to be afforded to the young victim and her family at this difficult time.

As the affected family continue to receive psycho-social support, the department will continue discussions with the National Prosecuting Authority, the affected school, learners, teachers, parents and the local community to investigate and take appropriate measures in response to this incident.

I have also instructed the South African Council of Educators (SACE) responsible for the discipline, professional and ethical conduct of teachers to vigorously investigate the alleged inappropriate and insensitive response of the educators who ought to act as custodians and in parentis locus of the parents of learners. Such conduct, if true, is totally unprofessional and goes against the grain of our aspirations to create a humane and caring society.

The department will, on an ongoing basis, continue to inform the public about our interventions to promote safety in our schools, particularly as it relates to girl learners. This coming Friday, I will announce our new revised plan to make the schoolyard a safer place for the girl learner.

Enquiries:
Hope Mokgatlhe (Spokesperson: Ministry of Basic Education)
Cell: 071 680 6849

Issued by: Department of Basic Education
10 Nov 2010

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