Mpumalanga Deputy Principal Suspended Over Serious Sexual Abuse Allegations Involving Grade 5 Learners
Kanyamazane, Mpumalanga — A deputy principal from a primary school in Mpumalanga has been suspended following shocking allegations of sexual abuse involving four Grade 5 learners. The allegations, which surfaced as far back as December last year, have sparked outrage among parents and community members who are demanding accountability from the Department of Education.
The school, located in Kanyamazane, around 27 km east of Mbombela, cannot be named to protect the identities of the victims. Reports reveal that the principal of the school had already alerted the regional education director about the allegations in December. However, the department failed to act swiftly, allowing the accused to remain at school, which left the young victims traumatized by daily encounters with the alleged perpetrator.
It was only after intense media pressure and intervention from the provincial legislature that the department finally suspended the deputy principal this week. Gerald Sambo, the department’s spokesperson, confirmed the suspension, stating, “The deputy principal remains on precautionary suspension and will not return to the school until the disciplinary process is finalized.”
Sambo also reassured the public that the department takes the matter seriously and is prioritizing the safety of all learners. “The department takes the sexual harassment allegations against the deputy principal seriously and suspended him to ensure the safety of the learners,” he added.
Despite these assurances, many, including political representatives, have criticized the department’s delayed response. Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on education, Annerie Weber, was particularly vocal, accusing the department of endangering the children by allowing the accused to stay in the same environment as the victims for months.
“The department’s inaction forced these children to remain in an unsafe environment. This is completely unacceptable,” Weber stated. She also criticized the education department for lacking clear policies and support structures for victims of sexual harassment or abuse in schools.
Weber demanded that authorities take stronger action and involve the police in cases like these from the outset. “There must be consequences for those who fail to report such serious acts. The department cannot be trusted to investigate itself when the rights and safety of children are at stake,” she said.
In response, the department confirmed that an internal investigation is underway to understand why the deputy principal was allowed access to the school premises even while on suspension. Sambo assured that the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness.
Parents of the affected learners have expressed deep anger and frustration. One parent, speaking anonymously, revealed how they were initially silenced when raising concerns. “We were told not to speak out after the suspension, but for months, we begged for help while our children suffered. No one listened,” the parent said.
The department has yet to reveal the full nature of the allegations but admitted that the situation is grave. Weber also suggested that without external pressure, the suspension might not have occurred. “If the parents hadn’t approached the legislature, the deputy principal would still be at work,” she added.
The case has reignited calls for better child protection measures in South African schools and stricter accountability from education authorities.
