An Eastern Cape primary school teacher has been fired for sexual misconduct involving a 13-year-old boy who she allegedly attempted to kiss and then offered R50 for his silence.
The woman was employed as a teacher in Mahlabatheng, formerly known as Mount Fletcher.
According to the Education Labour Relations Council, the teacher initially pleaded guilty but later changed her plea to not guilty.
The council imposed the sanction of dismissal with immediate effect and ordered that the ruling be shared with the Department of Social Development for her name to be listed on the register of sexual offenders, as she was found unsuitable to work with children again.
The learner, currently at another school, testified that during break time in 2023 he was about to leave the classroom when the teacher requested him to remain behind and instructed his friend to stand by the door and not allow anyone inside the classroom.
The teacher allegedly requested him to come closer. He did so and the teacher then touched his hands before attempting to kiss him, which he refused.
He said the teacher persisted to try to kiss him, but stopped when the bell rang.
According to the teenager, his former teacher ran to her car, called him and instructed him to bring his workbook. She allegedly took out R50 and placed it in his workbook.
He testified that he initially refused to take the money. However, the teacher allegedly begged him to take it and warned him not to tell anyone, but he told his friend.
The learner also testified about a second incident where the teacher allegedly called him to the storeroom, closed the door and tried to kiss him again, but he again refused.
His friend, who also changed schools, testified that the teacher had requested him to stand outside the door and ensure that no one had access to the classroom while she was with his friend.
He said he did not know what happened in the classroom as he was instructed by the teacher to wait outside, next to the door.
The learner said his friend later told him about the attempted kiss and money.
The teacher, who testified with no other witness in support of her case, stated that the learner remained in class during break time for the purpose of disciplining him as he had made a noise and disturbed the class.
She testified that she requested his friend, who was the last to leave the class, to close the door because it was windy on that day.
She denied attempting to kiss the boy but said she asked him to be closer to her.
In relation to the R50, she admitted giving him the money but said it was for a haircut.
Commissioner Siziwe Gcayi said the learners maintained their versions even during cross-examination. The teacher was hardly a year in that school but she was able to prove that she “cannot be trusted with learners”.
“In arriving at an appropriate sanction I have considered the submissions made by both parties, the aggravating factors as well as mitigating factors. The employer had argued that the sexual harassment committed had led to the trust relationship being broken.
“The teacher cannot be trusted with learners. Her conduct towards the learner has left scars that cannot be mended,” Gcayi said.
The Eastern Cape Education Department did not respond to questions by deadline on Sunday.
Cape Times