Parliament shocked by statutory rape cases in schools

A parliamentary inquiry has laid bare disturbing gaps in protecting children in South Africa’s schools. Of the country’s more than 400,000 teachers, only 42,650 have been vetted a crisis the Basic Education Committee says leaves classrooms vulnerable to sexual predators. Chaired by Joy Maimela, the committee heard how reporting failures, under-resourced vetting systems, and silence from families and principals allow statutory rape cases to slip through the cracks. “We’re failing children,” Maimela admitted, calling for vetting of everyone who works in schools and urgent digital reporting upgrades. Phemelo speaks to her about what must change now.