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Centurion High School Teacher Fired and Blacklisted After Alleged Rape Case

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Teacher Fired and Blacklisted as Alleged Rape Case Raises Alarm Over School Safety

A Pretoria high school is at the centre of a growing national concern after a teacher accused of raping a pupil was fired and permanently removed from the teaching profession. The incident has reignited public debate about sexual abuse in schools and the systems meant to protect learners.

Contract Terminated, Teaching Career Over

The teacher, who taught technology, life orientation and tourism to Grades 8–12 at Hoërskool Centurion, appeared in court last month following the allegation. The Gauteng department of education confirmed that a disciplinary process by the school governing body (SGB) led to his immediate dismissal.

Spokesperson Steve Mabona said the teacher’s contract was terminated and he has been barred from entering the school premises.

The case has also been escalated beyond the school. The South African Council for Educators (SACE) has been notified to permanently remove his name from the national educator register, effectively stopping him from finding work at any school or educational institution in the country.

Union Responds, Calls for Safe Schools

The SAOU teachers’ union said it was not involved in the matter but stressed the importance of urgent action when misconduct is alleged.

“Schools should be a safe place for pupils as they are the most fragile part of our community,” said SAOU spokesperson Dems Nel. “If there are allegations of misconduct, it is important that the same be investigated and acted on promptly.”

A Country Struggling With a Bigger Crisis

While the alleged incident shocked parents at Hoërskool Centurion, some activists say cases like these are symptoms of a national emergency.

Back in September, the DA attended court proceedings in Bronkhorstspruit after an eight-year-old girl was allegedly raped at her primary school. DA federal chairperson Helen Zille expressed outrage, saying South Africa is facing a “child rape and statutory rape crisis,” pointing to the rising number of children giving birth some as young as 10.

To many South Africans, the Centurion case is not just about one teacher. It’s about the glaring vulnerability of children in places that should feel safest.

Advocacy Groups Weigh In

Wayne van Onselen, founder of Unchain Our Children, says the issue goes beyond criminal cases, it’s about what children are exposed to and what adults allow.

“Children cannot consent to sex with adults. Full stop,” he said. He also raised concern about how platforms like social media expose children to graphic content long before they’re emotionally ready.

He acknowledged the legal grey areas when minors engage sexually with each other, explaining that a small age gap between teens may fall under consensual activity, but when adults are involved, the line isn’t blurry at all.

What Parents and Communities Want Now

The firing of the teacher has brought some relief, but many parents and activists believe prevention is being neglected. Calls are growing for:

  • Stronger vetting and background checks for teachers

  • Mandatory reporting by schools

  • Support systems for learners who fear speaking out

  • Stricter controls around minors’ digital exposure

The Gauteng education department says it will monitor the case closely as court proceedings continue. For now, parents are left asking the uncomfortable question: if this could happen at a well-resourced Pretoria high school, how many similar cases are being silenced elsewhere?

{Source: The Citizen}

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