Ms Zintombi Sododile, UDM’s Youth Vanguard Eastern Cape Chairperson
iDutywa
The United Democratic Movement Youth Vanguard (UDMYV) in the Eastern Cape said it is appalled by the recent allegations of sexual harassment and drug abuse at JS Skenjana Senior Secondary School in Dutywa.
A former learner from the school recently took to social media to expose teachers who, despite serious allegations of sexual abuse, remain employed at the school. She stated that these allegations have been public knowledge for years, yet no decisive action has been taken.
In a statement, Ms Zintombi Sododile, UDM’s Youth Vanguard Eastern Cape Chairperson, said they find this deeply disturbing and demands that the Department of Education act without delay to address these matters.
Said Sododile,” We call upon all learners who have experienced or witnessed any form of abuse to come forward and report these cases to law enforcement, especially if they fear intimidation. We assure all learners of our unwavering support and will stand with them throughout the process.
“We demand that the Department of Education and the South African Police Service (SAPS) take immediate and decisive action to protect learners and hold perpetrators accountable. We will closely monitor this situation and advocate for the rights and dignity of learners to be safeguarded.”
UDM Youth Vanguard said it also welcomes the Eastern Cape Department of Education investigations into multiple cases of alleged sexual abuse across several schools in the province, and MEC Fundile Gade condemnation of such acts, as well as his vow to take decisive action to protect children’s constitutional rights.
Meanwhile, the South African Youth Council (SAYC) Amathole District said it was deeply disturbed and angered by the reports circulating on social media regarding male teachers at the school, who are alleged to have groomed, sexually exploited, impregnated, and coerced learners into abortions.
The SAYC reiterates that schools must be safe spaces of learning, growth, and empowerment, not sites of predation.
Siya Ngquthwana, SAYC Chairperson said, “Teachers are entrusted with shaping the future of our youth, not destroying it. Allowing perpetrators to thrive while victims suffer in silence is an indictment of our systems of accountability.
“We will continue to mobilize young people, parents, and community stakeholders in Dutywa and across Amathole District to ensure that justice is served and that this cycle of abuse is broken.”
