SAHRC report exposes widespread sexual violence in South African schools
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has released a report highlighting the widespread prevalence of sexual violence in schools, describing it as a systemic and deeply entrenched problem.
The Commission said schools are meant to be safe spaces where learners can access their constitutional right to basic education. However, sexual abuse by educators, fellow learners, school staff, service providers and outsiders continues to undermine those rights.
The report follows a formal human rights complaint alleging sexual violence by an educator at St John's College in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. The SAHRC said subsequent media reports and further allegations suggested the incident reflected a broader national problem rather than an isolated case.
In response, the Commission convened a Stakeholder Roundtable on Sexual Violence in Schools, bringing together government departments, regulatory bodies, independent school associations and civil society organisations to identify weaknesses in the systems responsible for preventing, investigating and prosecuting sexual offences in schools.
