Learners at Minerva Secondary School in Alexandra have reportedly boycotted classes, demanding action over allegations of sexual harassment involving a matric teacher.
The boycott is being supported by the Congress of South African Students (COSAS), with learners calling for the teacher to be removed from the school while the allegations are investigated.
According to reports, the allegations include claims that the teacher obtained learners’ personal cellphone numbers from a private group chat and subsequently sent inappropriate and sexually explicit messages to some learners.
The allegations have raised concerns among learners about their safety and the need for the school and education authorities to respond to complaints involving educators and learners.
Learners, supported by COSAS, are reportedly demanding that the Gauteng Department of Education intervene and take action while the allegations are investigated.
The reported boycott comes as learners and student organisations continue to raise concerns about the safety and protection of pupils in schools.
Diepsloot News understands that reports are also circulating that the Gauteng Department of Education has suspended a male teacher at the school following the allegations. However, the department’s official position and details surrounding any disciplinary process should be confirmed before further conclusions are drawn.
The allegations against the teacher have not been proven, and no finding of misconduct should be treated as established fact unless confirmed through an official investigation or disciplinary process.