Twelve KZN teachers dismissed over alleged sexual relations with pupils
South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) says people accused of having relationships with, or sexually abusing pupils do not deserve to be in the profession.
The union has praised the KwaZulu Natal Education Department for dismissing 12 teachers since June after they were found guilty of such offences.
The comment comes as a northern KZN teacher accused of appearing in a sex video allegedly involving a pupil appeared in court yesterday after handing himself over to police.
The man from Nquthu has been suspended and will apply for bail next Wednesday.
SADTU's Nomarashiya Caluza says schools should be a safe learning environment for pupils.
"It cannot be correct that instead of focusing on teaching and moulding these learners, they are seen as women for sex or as girls for sex. If the department has decided to dismiss the teachers - this is a very good move," she said.
The teacher said last week through his lawyer that adult women appeared in the videos and not pupils.
Earlier this month, Caluza lashed out at teachers and learners at the Ekucabangeni High School for not speaking out sooner about the sexual abuse reported to have taken place at the school.
Education MEC Mthandeni Dlungwane condemned relationships between teachers and pupils saying it's also unfortunate that society still keeps quiet about teachers dating pupils.