In Conversation With Javu Baloyi Commission for Gender Equality
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The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) is set to hold an investigative hearing into the handling of sexual harassment and rape cases involving learners in schools across the Eastern Cape, following growing concerns around learner safety, institutional accountability, and the protection of children within South Africa’s education system.
The hearing comes amid increasing reports of sexual harassment, abuse, and gender-based violence in schools — incidents that continue to raise alarm about whether schools are adequately equipped to protect vulnerable learners and respond effectively when abuse occurs.
According to the Commission, the investigation follows ongoing monitoring of complaints as well as concerns about systemic failures within school environments. The CGE says the hearing seeks to hold the Eastern Cape Department of Education accountable for shortcomings that may be placing learners at risk.
The Head of the Eastern Cape Department of Education is expected to appear before the Commission as part of the inquiry process.
The issue touches on a deeply sensitive national crisis. Across South Africa, schools are increasingly becoming spaces where children face not only educational challenges, but also threats to their safety, dignity, mental wellbeing, and bodily autonomy.
Advocacy groups and child protection organisations have repeatedly raised concerns around:
● underreporting of sexual abuse in schools,
● fear of retaliation by learners,
● inadequate disciplinary systems,
● delayed investigations,
● and a lack of psychosocial support for victims.
The hearing comes amid increasing reports of sexual harassment, abuse, and gender-based violence in schools — incidents that continue to raise alarm about whether schools are adequately equipped to protect vulnerable learners and respond effectively when abuse occurs.
According to the Commission, the investigation follows ongoing monitoring of complaints as well as concerns about systemic failures within school environments. The CGE says the hearing seeks to hold the Eastern Cape Department of Education accountable for shortcomings that may be placing learners at risk.
The Head of the Eastern Cape Department of Education is expected to appear before the Commission as part of the inquiry process.
The issue touches on a deeply sensitive national crisis. Across South Africa, schools are increasingly becoming spaces where children face not only educational challenges, but also threats to their safety, dignity, mental wellbeing, and bodily autonomy.
Advocacy groups and child protection organisations have repeatedly raised concerns around:
● underreporting of sexual abuse in schools,
● fear of retaliation by learners,
● inadequate disciplinary systems,
● delayed investigations,
● and a lack of psychosocial support for victims.
