Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has called for calm following allegations that an educator at Busisiwe Primary School in Soweto sexually assaulted a Grade 4 learner.
MEC Maile visited the school on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, where he received a briefing from school management, the School Governing Body, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and community stakeholders.
The Gauteng Department of Education confirmed that the implicated educator has been placed on precautionary suspension pending disciplinary proceedings.
MEC Maile also instructed the department’s Psychosocial Support Team to provide emotional and psychological support to the learner and her family.
“We appeal for calm and urge everyone to allow the necessary processes to unfold. We must ensure that justice is not compromised by interference or speculation,” Maile said.
The MEC called on parents, educators, religious leaders and communities to work together to protect children and address gender-based violence and child abuse.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and it equally takes a village to protect a child,” he said.
Maile also urged the media to report responsibly, protect the learner’s identity and dignity, and avoid sensationalism while investigations and disciplinary processes continue.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to learner safety and ensuring that schools remain safe environments for teaching and learning.
