WCED urged to review protocols to protect children in schools

CAPE TOWN - Civil society organisation, Ilitha Labantu, has urged the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) to review its protocols to protect children more effectively.

The call comes after a former Grade R teacher made another appearance in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates Court on Tuesday related to allegedly sexually grooming a 13-year-old primary school boy.

The WCED said it had procedures in place to deal with sexual grooming cases in schools.

A 35-year-old teacher accused of sending explicit messages and a video to a 13-year-old primary school pupil made a brief appearance in the Mitchells Plain Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning.

Ilitha Labantu spokesperson, Siyabulela Monakali, said the organisation was closely monitoring the case to ensure that justice was served.  

"We call on the Western Cape Education Department to urgently review its protocols and strengthen its partnerships with civil society organisations to protect children in our schools."

WCED spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, said that the department had protocols in place.

"We train all our staff in the 'Abuse no more' protocol to ensure that they are aware of the procedures to follow and the reporting mechanisms required to ensure the learner receives the relevant counselling support ."

Hammond said that the department also had measures to ensure investigative procedures were initiated for criminal prosecution.