By Anita Dangazele
- A Grade 9 learner was raped by a teacher at St John’s College, fell pregnant and was forced to have an abortion.
- More learners came forward saying male teachers have been sexually abusing students for years, promising good marks for sex.
Learners at St John’s College in Mthatha protested on Tuesday. They want justice after a teacher raped a Grade 9 girl.
The girl fell pregnant after the rape. She was forced to end the pregnancy.
After she spoke out, more learners shared similar stories. They say male teachers have been raping learners for years.
One learner spoke without giving her name. She said teachers promise good marks and a fancy life for sex.
“But should they fall pregnant, they are threatened with death and forced to have an abortion,” she said.
The learners say even Life Orientation teachers are involved. These are the same teachers who should teach them about safe sex.
The learner said they reported the cases to other teachers. But nothing was ever done.
“They hold meetings alone but no feedback ever reaches the learners. Instead it is always business as usual,” she said.
Earlier this year a psychiatrist came to the school. Many learners found courage to speak out. But the learner says the psychiatrist was threatened into silence.
Police used rubber bullets to break up the protest. No learners were hurt or arrested.
Captain Welile Matyholo said learners ran away when they saw police cars arrive at 10am on Tuesday.
Justice Desk Africa said they are outraged by the reports. They called on the South African Human Rights Commission to investigate immediately.
The Eastern Cape education department has not responded to questions.
Pictured above: Learners protesting against a culture of rape and sexual assault at St John’s College in Mthatha.
Image source: Supplied
