Parents Protest At Busisiwe Primary Over Alleged Rape of 9-Year-Old Learner
Frustrated parents are picketing outside Busisiwe Primary School in Soweto after a teacher was accused of sexually assaulting a nine-year-old learner, in a case that has exposed serious questions about how schools respond to allegations of abuse.
The matter came to light after a video circulated on social media showing the child recounting the incident. The child’s mother has accused the school of failing to act swiftly, alleging that the teacher continued to teach while her daughter stayed at home out of fear.
WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING
Parents gathered outside the school gates on Wednesday morning, demanding accountability and calling for the teacher to be removed from the school premises.
“The child told her mother, the mother reported to the school, but nothing was done,” said one parent who asked not to be named. “Why must our children be the ones who suffer while the accused continues to work? We want answers.”
Another parent said: “We are not leaving until we know our children are safe. This is not just about one child—it’s about all of them.”
The parents’ picket has disrupted schooling, with learners unable to enter the premises as the protest continued.
MEC VISITS SCHOOL
Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile visited the school on Wednesday morning, accompanied by officials from the department and the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s education committee.
Maile’s visit came as pressure mounted on the department to intervene. Speaking to parents, he is expected to outline the steps the department has taken and the support being provided to the child and her family.
The teacher has been placed on precautionary suspension, and the department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the delay in action.
POLICE CONFIRM RAPE CASE
Gauteng police have confirmed that a rape case was opened at Jabulani Police Station on 11 October 2026. No arrest has been made at this stage, and investigations continue.
The delay between the case being opened and the teacher’s suspension has been a key source of anger for parents. They argue the department should have acted immediately once the allegation was brought to its attention.
A PATTERN OF FAILURE
The Busisiwe Primary case is not an isolated incident. Schools across South Africa have repeatedly been criticised for slow responses to sexual abuse allegations, with concerns that internal disciplinary processes often protect teachers while leaving children vulnerable.
The Teddy Bear Foundation, a Soweto-based organisation that supports child victims of abuse, has repeatedly called for mandatory reporting and faster disciplinary action in schools.
“Children depend on adults to keep them safe,” said a foundation spokesperson. “When the very institutions charged with their protection delay action, the message is clear: abuse can happen without consequences.”
HOW TO REPORT ABUSE
The Soweto Bulletin reminds readers that help is available:
- GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428 (toll-free)
- Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555
- SAPS Emergency: 10111
- Jabulani Police Station: Contact directly for this case
