The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has initiated an urgent investigation into claims of sexual misconduct at Curtis Nkondo School of Specialisation in Emdeni, Soweto, following a complaint lodged by a Grade 11 learner.
Investigation ordered by MEC
The probe was directed by MEC Lebogang Maile, who instructed education officials to treat the allegations with the seriousness they deserve, particularly because they concern the safety, dignity and well‑being of learners. According to school records formally submitted to the district office, the matter was referred to the Johannesburg Central District Dispute Management Office on Friday, 7 August, and the principal asked for urgent intervention.
“The allegations are being treated with the seriousness they deserve, particularly because they concern the safety, dignity and well‑being of learners.”
The complaint centres on an interaction during the second school term in which a Grade 11 learner alleges an educator made an inappropriate sexual remark. A second learner who said she witnessed the exchange provided a statement that the department says substantially supported the initial account.
Teacher denies allegation, wider concerns flagged
The educator named in the complaint has denied making any inappropriate remarks and submitted a written account of events that included a description of discussions at the principal’s office. The GDE said it will weigh both written statements as part of its inquiry.
Beyond the single complaint, the department noted submissions from learner formations and members of the school community raising broader concerns that other teachers may be implicated in separate incidents involving learners. The GDE emphasised it will not treat claims about the number of teachers implicated as established fact at this stage.
Scope and aims of the probe
Provincial officials said the investigation will examine school and district records to establish a clear timeline and to identify the nature and number of formal complaints. The department also intends to look into assertions that some matters may date back to 2022.
- Which complaints have been formally lodged
- Which educators are implicated and the nature of each allegation
- When incidents were reported and what action—if any—was taken
To provide transparency, the GDE will review documentation held at both school and district levels. The department has not released details about any disciplinary measures while the probe is under way.
What this means for learners and parents
Parents and community members expressed concern about learner safety. At specialised schools, where many learners require additional support, the stakes are particularly high: trust in staff and the school environment is essential for effective learning and care.
School communities seeking clarity should expect the department to follow established procedures for internal disciplinary processes and, where necessary, to refer matters to the South African Police Service or child protection services. The GDE has not said whether SAPS or social services have been notified in this instance.
Background and context
Incidents involving inappropriate conduct by educators have prompted heightened scrutiny across provinces in recent years. Education authorities have repeatedly said they will act swiftly where allegations affect learner safety, but civil society groups and parents have continued to call for faster responses and clearer communication during investigations.
| Item | What investigators will check |
|---|---|
| Complaints | Number, dates, and formal status |
| Persons implicated | Names of educators and any other staff listed |
| Records | School and district documentation, including prior reports |
The GDE has not specified a public timeline for concluding the probe. Parents and learners at Curtis Nkondo have been advised to use the district channels for updates, while the department assesses the evidence and determines next steps.
As the inquiry progresses, officials will need to balance the rights of the complainant to confidentiality and protection with procedural fairness toward those accused. For now, the department’s action signals a formal commitment to establishing the facts and safeguarding learners in a school that serves a vulnerable cohort.
Further developments are expected once the Johannesburg Central District completes its initial review and the GDE determines whether additional agencies need to be involved.
