Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, visited Busisiwe Primary School in Soweto on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, following disturbing allegations of sexual assault of a Grade 4 learner by an educator at the school.
During the visit, MEC Maile received a briefing from the school management, School Governing Body (SGB), South African Police Service (SAPS) and other community stakeholders regarding the matter and interventions undertaken.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) confirms that the implicated educator has been placed on precautionary suspension pending the finalisation of the disciplinary hearing. MEC Maile has also instructed the Department’s Psychosocial Support Team to provide the necessary emotional and psychological support to the affected learner and her family.
The MEC has appealed for calm among parents, learners and the surrounding community, emphasising that while the allegations are deeply disturbing, law enforcement authorities and the relevant departmental processes must be allowed to unfold without interference or prejudgment.
“We understand the concerns and emotions surrounding these disturbing allegations. However, we appeal for calm and urge everyone to allow the necessary processes to unfold. We must ensure that justice is not compromised by interference or speculation,” MEC Maile remarked.
MEC Maile also expressed concern about the moral decay confronting society, particularly gender-based violence and the abuse of children, emphasising the collective responsibility of communities to protect children and restore moral values.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and it equally takes a village to protect a child. Parents, educators, religious leaders and communities must work together to protect our children and create conducive environments for their development into responsible, productive and desirable citizens. Schools cannot carry this responsibility alone,” the MEC emphasised.
MEC Maile further appeals to members of the media to exercise responsible, balanced and sensitive reporting, particularly in protecting the learner’s identity and dignity, respecting ongoing processes and avoiding sensationalism that may create unnecessary public alarm.
The Department remains committed to protecting learners, strengthening school safety and ensuring that schools remain conducive environments for teaching and learning.