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The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education today received a briefing from the Eastern Cape Department of Education on the allegations of sexual violence against the seven-year-old learner, now known as Cwecwe, at the Bergview College in Matatiele. The committee called for action against the school principal as he did not report the matter immediately to the authorities.
 
Acting Committee Chairperson, Mr Sedukanelo Tshepo Louw, said the committee is not satisfied with the explanations it received in today’s meeting. “We will urgently apply to visit that school on an oversight visit to the Eastern Cape. This is an independent school that receives a government subsidy. They must account.”
 
This afternoon, the committee met with the provincial department regarding its role and responsibilities in monitoring independent schools. The meeting followed a public outcry by the survivor’s mother on social media and the general public about how authorities dealt with the matter.
 
Mr Louw said the matter is of profound concern and has captured the nation's attention. “This tragic incident has not only shaken the community but has also raised critical questions regarding the safety and welfare of our children in educational institutions.”
 
He said, “The Department of Basic Education must be vigilant in its oversight of private institutions, ensuring they comply with national education policies and uphold the highest standards of safety and care. We must reinforce our commitment to monitoring these schools effectively, as they are entrusted with the well-being and education of our youth. The South African Schools Act provides a framework for this oversight, but we must ensure it is implemented rigorously.”
 
The committee heard from the provincial department that three individuals at the school had been requested to provide DNA testing, and one, the principal, did not comply. The committee also heard that the department was forced to retract its initial revocation of the school’s registration after the school sought legal advice that pointed out that the decision conflicted with the South African Schools Act.
 
The committee raised concerns that the principal did not immediately report the matter to the department. The committee heard that on 14 October 2024, the principal became aware of the incident. He, however, did not report the matter to the circuit manager. On 19 November, the circuit manager arrived at the school with the education support services team when the principal reported the matter. The committee heard the department became aware of the incident through a whistleblower. The principal claimed he reported the incident at the Thuthuzela Care Centre and SAPS, but no trace of this could be found at the time.
 
On 11 December last year, a stakeholder engagement, including DBE officials and the parents, was held to provide progress. The principal and Board members were absent from the meeting. The committee heard that some at the school raised accusations of racism against the principal. Some committee members were surprised to note that the Board consists solely of white members. The principal is white, and all the learners are black.
 
“The implications of inadequate and delayed responses extend far beyond this case,” the Chairperson said. “They can lead to a broader perception that our education and legal systems cannot provide the necessary protections for learners. This perception can erode trust in public institutions and independent schools, which are meant to be sanctuaries of learning and development.”
 
The committee was informed that the provincial department will conduct a blitz operation focused on independent schools, starting when the schools reopen. This is to clamp down on any potential irregularities that might exist.
 
The committee stressed the importance of inter-departmental collaboration to address the criminal aspects of this case and the emotional and psychological support required for the victim and her family.
 
“Furthermore, we must advocate for stringent measures to prevent such incidents in the future. This includes mandatory staff vetting processes to protect our children from potential offenders and establishing clear school safety protocols. The urgency of these measures cannot be overstated,” the Chairperson said.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Acting chairperson of the portfolio committee on Basic Education, Sedukanelo Tshepo Louw