The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has launched a formal probe into allegations that an educator at Curtis Nkondo School of Specialisation in Emdeni, Soweto, made an inappropriate sexual remark to a Grade 11 learner during the school’s second term.
Immediate report to district office
According to the department’s spokesperson, Onwabile Lubhelwana, the school principal reported the allegation to the Central District Dispute Management Office on 7 August as soon as the claim came to light. The principal requested urgent intervention.
Lubhelwana said the complaint centres on a written account by a Grade 11 learner who said an educator made an inappropriate sexual comment. The learner said she was offended and hurt after understanding the meaning of the remark. A second learner submitted a statement that substantially supported the first learner’s account.
"The complaint relates to an allegation by a Grade 11 learner that an educator made an inappropriate sexual remark to her during the second term," said Lubhelwana.
Teacher denies allegation; department to verify other claims
The implicated educator has denied making the remark. Lubhelwana said the teacher provided a written denial and an account of what transpired during subsequent engagement in the principal’s office.
The department also flagged broader concerns coming from pupils and parts of the school community that other educators might be implicated in separate incidents. Lubhelwana emphasised that the GDE will not treat these wider concerns as established fact until they are properly lodged and investigated.
"The Department must establish precisely how many complaints have formally been lodged, which educators are implicated in each complaint, the nature of each allegation, when each incident was allegedly reported and what action was taken," the spokesperson said.
Possible historic allegations to be examined
Lubhelwana said the department is concerned by claims that inappropriate conduct complaints could date as far back as 2022. Those matters, if properly reported, will also be examined as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The GDE’s approach follows standard procedures for managing allegations involving pupils: the matter has been escalated to the district dispute management structures, which will coordinate the fact-finding, interviews and any interim safeguarding measures the school must implement.
- Who reported the matter: The school principal.
- When reported: 7 August (to the Central District Dispute Management Office).
- Nature of complaint: An alleged inappropriate sexual remark to a Grade 11 learner; a corroborating statement from another learner.
- Teacher response: Written denial and account of events.
- Possible broader scope: Unconfirmed concerns that other educators may be implicated; some claims may date to 2022.
What parents, learners and the community should know
Parents and caregivers at Curtis Nkondo and neighbouring schools will rightly want clarity on safety procedures and the status of the investigation. Under departmental protocols, the district office should communicate the progress of the inquiry to the school community while observing confidentiality and the rights of all involved.
If criminal conduct is suspected at any stage, the department and the school are obliged to report the matter to the South African Police Service. At present, the GDE statement focuses on administrative and disciplinary processes while it verifies the number and nature of formal complaints.
Local impact and next steps
The outcome of the district investigation will determine whether further disciplinary action is warranted against the educator and whether any other staff members will be subject to inquiries. The department will need to establish timelines, witness statements and documentary records to reach findings.
For parents concerned about learner welfare, the district office should be asked what interim protective steps are in place — for example, temporary removal of the educator from contact with learners, counselling services for affected pupils, and tighter supervision during school hours.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Initial report | Submitted to Central District on 7 August |
| Teacher response | Denial in writing |
| Other possible complaints | Allegations reported informally; under verification |
The GDE said it will continue to investigate and determine precisely which complaints have been formally lodged and what action was taken at the time of each alleged incident. The department’s handling of the matter will be watched closely by parents, school staff and community watchdogs keen to ensure learner safety and accountability in Gauteng’s schools.
Further updates are expected once the Central District Dispute Management Office concludes its initial fact-finding and advises the Gauteng Department of Education on next steps.
