NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION 3139

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 14/10/2011

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 31/2011)

Ms N P Gcume (Cope) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

(1)   Whether her department has investigated a case of a teacher at Lusiki Mega District in the Eastern Cape who has allegedly impregnated school girls; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

REPLY

Any educator who engages in sexual intercourse with a learner, for whatever reason and under whatever circumstances, commits misconduct as contemplated in section 17 of the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (Act No. 76 of 1998). The sanction for such misconduct in terms of section 17 of the Act is immediate dismissal. The presiding officer in such a disciplinary hearing does not have the option to impose any other sanction. I therefore request honourable N.P Gcume to share further details to this case, specifically the name of school and teacher, so that it can be investigated and a factual report given to this house.

(2)   whether she has been informed that the teacher has opened a tavern near the school; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

a.     The Minister has not been informed that any teacher has opened a tavern near the school in the said District in Eastern Cape.

(3)        whether she will make a statement on the matter?        NW3664E

As soon as details are received the Minister will consider making a statement on this.