Gauteng Education reaffirms zero tolerance towards sexual misconduct

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GAUTENG - Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has assured the public that it is committed to upholding zero-tolerance on sexual misconduct cases towards some of our employees.

BACKGROUND CHECKUP

The employment of individuals by the Department is subject to strict legal and procedural processes. In accordance with legislative requirements, the Department receives National Register for Sexual Offenders (NRSO) certificates from the National Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. These certificates are essential to confirm the individuals’ status before formal disciplinary action, including dismissal.

Accordingly, before any appointment of employees, all new school-based employees undergo Child Protection Register screening, in addition to Personnel Suitability Checks, which include criminal record vetting, identity verification, and qualification checks.
To prevent the appointment of any person with a sexual conviction, the final approval of appointments rests with the Head of Department (HOD). The HOD may lawfully disapprove any appointment where a conviction under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2021 exists.

WHAT HAPPENS TO LISTED INDIVIDUALS 

Should an individual be confirmed to be listed on the NRSO, they will be dismissed in accordance with the law. We await necessary certification for the implicated employees for a decision to be taken accordingly.

“The safety and wellbeing of our learners is our highest priority and as such we are taking all necessary steps to create and maintain safe, secure, and nurturing learning environments across the province. We continue to work closely with law enforcement, to ensure that no offender remains in contact with learners once their status is confirmed,” said Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane.

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