The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has launched an urgent investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct at Curtis Nkondo School of Specialisation in Emdeni, Soweto, after a Grade 11 learner formally complained that an educator made an inappropriate sexual remark during the second term.
Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, directed the probe, saying the allegations were being "treated with the seriousness they deserved", particularly because they relate to the safety, dignity and well‑being of learners.
How the case reached the district
According to documentation submitted by the school, the principal referred the matter to the Johannesburg Central District Dispute Management Office on Friday, 7 August, and requested urgent intervention. The formal complaint was lodged by the Grade 11 learner, who provided a written account describing the alleged interaction and said she later felt offended and hurt after she understood the meaning of the remark.
A second learner who said she was present during the interaction submitted a statement that the department says "substantially supported" the allegation. The educator in question has denied making inappropriate remarks and submitted a written account of the subsequent engagement at the principal’s office.
Broader concerns and an expanded inquiry
The department said learner formations and members of the school community have raised broader concerns that other teachers may be implicated in separate allegations involving learners. The GDE emphasised it would not accept claims about the number of allegedly implicated teachers as fact at this stage.
The scope of the investigation, as outlined by the department, will include:
- establishing how many formal complaints have been lodged;
- identifying which teachers are implicated and the nature of each allegation;
- determining when incidents were reported and what action was taken;
- examining school and district records to verify dates and prior complaints, including claims that inappropriate conduct may date back to 2022.
"[The] allegations are being treated with the seriousness they deserved," the MEC said when directing the probe.
What this means for learners and parents
Parents and learners at Curtis Nkondo were informed of the referral to district offices, and the department has signalled it will follow established procedures for disciplinary and criminal matters where appropriate. At present, the matter centres on examining the written accounts from the learners, the educator’s response and any other formal complaints recorded in school files.
Officials did not provide details on whether the educator has been suspended from teaching duties pending the outcome of the investigation. The department’s standard practice in allegations of this nature is to conduct a preliminary assessment and then decide on precautionary measures to protect learners while the inquiry proceeds.
Procedures and timeframes
The GDE said the district office will examine school and district records and verify all formal complaints. Where the inquiry finds evidence of criminal conduct, the matter would be referred to the police for further investigation. Where administrative or disciplinary breaches are identified, the department’s disciplinary processes for educators will apply.
| Item | What will be checked |
|---|---|
| Complaints | Number of formal complaints and dates received |
| Teachers implicated | Which educators are named and the nature of allegations |
| Records | School and district files, including incidents dating back to 2022 |
Community reaction and next steps
Community members and learner formations who raised concerns will be engaged as part of the inquiry. The department has not yet released a timetable for concluding the investigation, but the directive from the MEC indicates a priority response.
Victim support and safeguarding measures are a critical element of any probe of alleged sexual misconduct in schools. The GDE has said it will ensure learners receive appropriate support services during the process.
As this story develops, parents and guardians are advised to keep communication channels open with the school and district offices, to ask for updates on protective measures for learners, and to seek independent support where necessary, including counselling and referral to child-protection services.
The GDE’s inquiry will be watched closely by parents, learner bodies and civil-society groups keen to ensure transparency and swift action where misconduct is substantiated. The department’s handling of the investigation will be central to restoring confidence in learner safety at Curtis Nkondo and neighbouring schools.
