The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDOE) has placed seven educators from St Johns College on precautionary suspension. They are accused of having sexual relationships with learners, impregnating them, and other serious offenses including corruption, substance abuse, and victimisation. The suspensions follow protests from learners demanding justice over these alleged abuses.
A task team was formed by the District Director, which conducted a preliminary investigation. This led to confirmation of multiple allegations. The formal investigation is scheduled to begin on Monday, 22 September 2025.
Official Response
MEC Fundile Gade announced that the suspensions are intended to protect the affected learners. He emphasised the department’s adherence to national laws, including the Constitution and the Educators’ Act, when dealing with these serious charges. To ensure stability at the school, all learners have been released until 22 September 2025, except for Grade 12 students who are to continue writing their trial exams.
Psycho-social support has been activated, with social workers and psychologists providing debriefing and counselling to affected learners. The South African Police Service (SAPS) station has been informed and victims are encouraged to open cases personally.
“South Africa’s national laws have been very clear in expressing the need to protect learners from any form of abuse … Such acts are a breach of trust to parents … we will support the victims of this heinous delinquency.” said MEC Fundile Gade
Community Impact
Learners are shaken, with protests having already shut down the school. The school management and various stakeholders including the Representative Council of Learners, Congress of South African Students (COSAS), and teacher unions met with the task team. Community concern is high over safety and corruption claims. The suspension is seen as necessary to restore a sense of security and trust at St Johns College.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: What kinds of allegations are being investigated?
They include sexual harassment, impregnating learners, corruption, unsafe conditions (drunk educators, drug abuse), and victimization of learners.
2: Who is leading the investigation and when does it start?
A task team appointed by the District Director conducted the preliminary probe. The formal investigation begins on 22 September 2025, led in part by three female investigators for sexual harassment cases.
3: What support is being offered to learners?
Psychosocial support (counselling and debriefing) by psychologists and social workers.
4: What about the police’s involvement?
SAPS is involved in monitoring, and victims are encouraged to open cases at their local police station.
5: Are exams affected?
Yes. All learners released until Monday, except Grade 12 learners who may continue writing trial exams.
