Gauteng Education ends Nal’ibali Contract Following Alleged Rape of Grade 3 Learner
The Gauteng Department of Education has terminated its contract with the Nal’ibali literacy programme following the arrest of a practitioner accused of raping a 10-year-old learner at Braamfischerville Primary School.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as profoundly disturbing and unacceptable. “Our children must never experience such cruelty by adults who are supposed to care for and develop them. We remain committed to creating a safe and secure environment for all learners,” said Chiloane. He confirmed that the department is working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served swiftly and transparently.
The alleged rape occurred on March 24 and was reported by the learner’s parent the following day. The school principal, upon receiving the information, advised the parent to open a criminal case, leading to the arrest of the practitioner on March 28.
On Thursday, April 10, the accused appeared at the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court while ActionSA Women’s Forum held a picket outside the courthouse, demanding justice for the victim, identified as little Sphesihle. Protesters carried placards and chanted in solidarity with the child and her family.
Led by ActionSA Gauteng Women’s Forum Provincial Secretary Mpumi Edward and Joburg Regional Chairperson Busisiwe Mwale, the group also called for stricter vetting of educators. “We are demanding that both the South African Council for Educators (SACE) and the Gauteng Department of Education improve vetting and ensure that all individuals working with children are registered on the National Child Protection Register,” said the party on X.
The party announced plans to take the matter to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to demand accountability and transparency in the screening processes for educators and school-linked service providers.
The department’s decision to cut ties with Nal’ibali sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some community members, like Facebook user S’eipati Christ Mphatsoe, criticized the move, saying, “Why doesn’t the GDE deal with the perpetrator, not the entire programme? This will affect the kids badly.”
Others praised the swift response, including Sjekula Jwara who commented, “Nal’ibali is a great programme that benefited our learners’ literacy skills. Nevertheless, well done GDE for taking action.”
In response to the incident, Nalibali stated that they are aware of the deeply disturbing allegations of sexual misconduct by their employee, involving minors in Bram-Fischer Primary School.
“The safety and well-being of children are our highest priorities, and we have no tolerance for any form of abuse or inappropriate behaviour towards children involved in our programmes and activities.”