Concerns over victimisation, 'culture of silence' at Parktown Boys High
The Gauteng Department of Education has pointed a finger at what it believes to be a "culture of silence" at Parktown Boys High amid allegations of sexual abuse at the Johannesburg school.
An investigation has implicated nine teachers in the alleged victimisation of learners who spoke out against improper behaviour.
The school hit the headlines last year after an assistant water-polo coach was charged with sexually grooming more than 20 learners.
"We are informed that in that school there is a culture of silence, there has been an allegation that learners were taught not to say anything if there is something bad happening," says department spokesperson Steve Mabona.
The legal firm appointed by the department to investigate allegations of impropriety at the school released its findings on Thursday.
The report recommended that some of the educators implicated should face a disciplinary process.
"After that investigation there was lack of evidence thereof but then the parents felt that they were not satisfied and provided new evidence, if one might put it that way, or documentation that will assist the process to attend to all their allegations and complaints."
Five of the teachers are appointed by government. One of the implicated teachers has since resigned.
MEC Panyaza Lesufi has set a deadline of two weeks to directly engage with the learners and conclude the disciplinary processes.