Disciplinary cases finalised against teachers - parliamentary statement (30 August 2005)This shocking misconduct includes 62 cases of assault with a further 34 cases of assault against learners under investigation, as well as 109 cases of fraud and financial misconduct. But by far the most disturbing aspect of these revelations is that 49 teachers were found guilty of rape, sexual relationships with pupils and sexual harassment.
Such revelations confirm the national statistics for these types of crimes. However, it is particularly disturbing that whilst we as a society struggle to eradicate these crimes they are being perpetuated through our education system. We cannot realistically fight these crimes today when they are ingrained in our children and thus already perpetuated into the following generation.
Teachers must understand that they are in the vanguard of our efforts to build a better society. This places on them the highest of responsibilities and moral obligations. Teachers who do not want to accept that burden must leave the profession. We call on the Department of Education and the teacher’s unions to pursue stricter disciplinary measures. Not only should we have harsher penalties, but investigations of misconduct must occur much more speedily. In the end there is no greater deterrent than justice being seen to be done, and being done swiftly.
