Gauteng Education MEC Matome Maila has expressed serious concern over allegations of sexual harassment involving an educator and a 17-year-old Grade 12 learner at Minerva Secondary School.
The Gauteng Department of Education says the allegations relate to inappropriate communication between the educator and the learner, which reportedly began in June 2026 through WhatsApp and other interactions. The matter was subsequently escalated to the Johannesburg East District for investigation.
Following preliminary investigations by the department’s Labour Relations Unit, the educator has been placed on precautionary suspension pending the outcome of a formal investigation. The department has also arranged psychological support for the affected learner.
MEC Maila says the allegations are being treated seriously, stressing that learners must be protected and respected at all times.
“Educators occupy positions of trust and responsibility. Any allegation of inappropriate conduct towards a learner must be investigated thoroughly and with due care and favour. Our schools must remain safe spaces where learners are protected and respected,” said MEC Maila.
The matter also resulted in disruptions to teaching and learning at the school on Tuesday, 18 August 2026. According to the department, some learners prevented teaching and learning from taking place, prompting school management and the South African Police Service to intervene and stabilise the situation.
MEC Maila acknowledged the concerns raised by learners and other stakeholders but warned that disruptions to education cannot be the solution.
“We understand the seriousness of the concerns raised. However, disrupting teaching and learning cannot be the solution. We must protect the affected learner while equally safeguarding the right of every learner to receive an education,” he said.
Learners who were scheduled to write assessments and examinations were able to complete their academic activities. However, the department says substantial teaching and learning time was lost and the school management has been instructed to implement a recovery plan to address the lost time.
The Gauteng Department of Education says the allegations remain subject to a formal investigation and has called on all stakeholders to allow the process to proceed fairly and thoroughly while maintaining stability at the school.
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