Gauteng Edu Dept terminates partnership with 'Nal'ibali' amid sexual assault allegations

JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng Education Department (GDE) has terminated its partnership with the national literacy development organisation, Nali'bali, following an incident of sexual assault allegedly by one of its employees.

The grade 3 child’s parent reported the matter to the school the following day, and a criminal case was opened.

It's understood that the incident happened on the school premises last month.

The employee was suspended and later arrested.

The incident comes as the department continues to address the broader issue of sexual misconduct on minors within schools.

Spokesperson Steve Mabona said, "The incident reported took place on the 24th of March, 2025 and was brought to the attention of the school on the 25th of March by the parents. It must be noted that the alleged perpetrator, a Nali'bali practitioner, is not a GDE employee.  We understand that his bail application will be on the 14th of April, 2025."

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