About 649 employees with criminal records are still on the Department of Education’s payroll.
This is a huge concern that has been addressed by the DA, in asking for a response regarding this issue from Dr Mantlhake Julia Maboya, Free State MEC for Education.
Mboya was asked if a timeline had been established to finalise the matter and remove such educators from schools.
She responded that no definitive timeline had been set.
Maboya seemed to shift the blame, citing capacity issues within the National Register of Sex Offenders (NRSO) as complicating the vetting process, leaving children and educators vulnerable to the presence of criminal staff.
“This ongoing issue is a serious concern when it comes to the safety and well-being of both children and honest educators,” says Dulandi Leech, DA spokesperson on education in the Free State Legislature.
“The Free State education system is allowing educators with criminal records to remain in schools, while dedicated educators and officials suffer.
“The safety of children and staff should be the department’s highest priority.”
