Education
With regard to sexual attacks by learners on learners on school premises:
Whether his Department has implemented any steps to safeguard learners at schools; if so, what are the relevant details?
The department has informed me of the following:
Yes, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has implemented several
steps to safeguard learners from sexual assaults, including those perpetrated by other
learners on school premises. These interventions are guided by the Abuse No More
Protocol, relevant legislation, and multi-sectoral collaboration.
1. Abuse No More Protocol
The WCED’s Abuse No More Protocol provides clear guidance to all school staff on
identifying child abuse, deliberate neglect, and sexual offences. It outlines
procedures for managing disclosures and mandates the completion of Form 22,
which must be submitted to the Department of Social Development or a designated
child protection organisation.
2. Curriculum-Based Prevention
The Life Orientation curriculum addresses abuse prevention across all phases. It
includes personal safety education in the Foundation Phase, sexuality awareness in
the Intermediate Phase, and decision-making programmes such as 'Life’s Choices' in
the Senior and FET phases. Learners are also informed of reporting mechanisms where
they can access support.
3. Keep Girls in School (KGIS) Programme
Launched in 2025, this programme targets vulnerable and at-risk learners through
workshops on healthy relationships, sexual coercion, self-esteem, assertiveness, and
awareness of STIs, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse.
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4. Multi-Departmental Collaboration
The WCED works with the Department of Health and Wellness to build self-esteem and
assertiveness among female learners, promote social norms that reject sexual
coercion, and engage boys and young men in discussions around gender norms and
respectful behaviour.
5. Schools code of conduct
School Codes of Conduct are supported by provincial regulations and disciplinary
frameworks that ensure accountability, protection, and swift intervention.
Sexual assault or harassment by a learner is classified as a serious offence in the
disciplinary system. Learners will face disciplinary action.
6. Safe Schools programmes
Safe Schools programmes promote attitudinal and behavioural change through
workshops and awareness campaigns on gender-based violence and respectful
relationships.
