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KZN Education Department ‘warns’ employees about misconduct

The KZN Education Department has warned its employees about the consequences of misconduct, after winning eleven out of twelve appeal cases.

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Generic photo of a classroom – Photo: Unsplash

The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Education has issued a stern warning against its employees about the consequences of committing misconduct. The Department won eleven out of twelve appeals regarding misconduct against employees in March.

CASES OF MISCONDUCT AGAINST KZN EDUCATION EMPLOYEES

READ: KZN education department suspends two teachers for sexual misconduct

KZN Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said that in the month of March 2021, 12 such appeals were finalised, with the finding of guilt made by the Presiding Officers being upheld in 11 of those cases.

The final sanctions following the appeal process in the 11 cases range from dismissal from service to suspension with pay for periods not exceeding three months, coupled with written warnings where necessary.

“The misdemeanours, all of them serious, incorporate one or more of the following: sexual abuse or harassment of learners or co-workers; corporal punishment/assault of learners; assault/attempted assault of co-workers and other stakeholders in education; examination-related fraud; instigating learners or other persons to unlawful conduct to disrupt learning and teaching; abuse of power or privileges such as transport costs; and insubordination or insolence.”  

  • There were five assault cases;
  • There were two sexual assault cases;
  • One case of instigating learners to rebel;
  • Locking of school officials and learners (matron: boarding school), one case;
  • Absenteeism from school and workshop, one case;
  • Unauthorised school trip, one case;
  • Abuse of state vehicle, one case; and
  • Misinterpretation of legislation, one case.

DEPARTMENT ISSUES STERN WARNING

KZN Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said that the Ministry and the Department is intensely serious about instilling a disciplined and professional service to further the education of learners.

“The Department of Education works in close association with professional regulatory bodies such as the South African Council of Educators which may institute disciplinary proceedings itself against educators who breach its professional code of ethics. Consequences may include being debarred from serving as an educator in South Africa,” Mahlambi said.

In 2020, two teachers at Umlazi Comprehensive High School were suspended for sexual misconduct. Both teachers are alleged to have been involved with a pupil. Another teacher was suspended at Mowat Park High School after accusations of sexual misconduct from learners at the school.