Nal'ibali, a national reading-for-enjoyment campaign is in the spotlight following allegations of sexual misconduct involving one of its practitioners at Bram-Fischer Primary School in Roodepoort, Gauteng.

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has since terminated its partnership with organisation escalating concerns about the safeguarding of children within educational institutions.

The incident reportedly occurred on March 24, 2025, and the alarming claims were raised by a parent the following day.

In response, the school principal promptly advised the parent to file a criminal report.

The alleged perpetrator, a Nal'ibali employee, was suspended on 27 March and subsequently arrested on March 28 with the bail hearing scheduled for April 14, 2025.

“Indeed, this is an exceedingly disturbing incident. Our children must never experience such cruelty from some adults who are supposed to assist in developing and taking care of them," remarked Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane.

"We will continue to work with law enforcement agencies and relevant partners to ensure that incidents of this nature are dealt with swiftly, transparently, and justly.”

Nal'ibali expressed its commitment to child protection in a statement released shortly after the allegations were made public.

“We are taking all necessary measures to uphold the highest standards of child protection,” the organisation asserted.

They acknowledged the seriousness of the incident, reiterating that disciplinary action was implemented immediately upon learning of the allegations.

This latest accusation forms part of a troubling trend; records from the Gauteng Department of Education indicate that approximately 42 cases of sexual misconduct have been reported to date.

Of these, 19 cases have been concluded, resulting in 11 employees being dismissed, while four were acquitted of charges. Two cases were withdrawn due to insufficient evidence, one employee resigned, and another retired while under investigation.

The current status reveals that 23 cases remain pending finalisation, with 15 undergoing various stages of disciplinary hearings and eight still under investigation.

In all reported instances, implicated individuals have faced precautionary suspension or transfers to district offices pending investigations, underscoring the GDE's commitment to maintaining a safe educational environment.

As these troubling allegations continue to unfold, both Nal'ibali and the GDE are urged to uphold transparency and integrity in their response to what has become a pressing issue in the education sector across the province.

anita.nkonki@inl.co.za

Saturday Star