Report of girl pupil abuse in schools is revealed

By Tando Mfengwana

A report compiled by the South African Human Rights Commission reveals that sexual abuse of girl pupil by boys and male teachers is rife. The outcome of this in some girls is that girls loose their concentration in class, lose of interest in school and that result in them dropping out of school. This report comes after a number of complaints from the public about the poor quality of education and lack of access to schools because as a result of poverty. The report suggests that, some teachers and male pupils were taking advantage of their positions to haul girls into sexual activities with them. Poor communities are subjected to poor services and at times had no access to education. Teachers in such communities are said to exchange food for sex, and teachers among themselves engage in sexual activities during school hours and on the premises. Schools recognised as no-fee schools in KwaZulu-Natal are also affected, because the R569 per pupil government pledge to schools in January had not been paid. The Association of Professional Educators of South Africa agrees that sexual abuse of girls is common, but said there a low rate of reporting these incidents. Apek president Basil said the association has made a submission to the commission but wants to take the issues further.