Tshwane father seeks justice after daughter’s alleged abuse by teacher

The father of the 14-year-old learner from Prinshof School for the Blind and Partially Sighted in Tshwane, is demanding justice after his daughter was allegedly molested by a teacher.

It is understood that the school’s music teacher allegedly abused the girl at the boarding facility in April last year.

He has also called for the dismissal of the school principal, accusing her of dismissing his concerns without urgency or remorse.

The father has also called for a full investigation into the school, claiming that other parents have raised similar complaints in the past.

Speaking anonymously to YNews, he said he was devastated to learn of the alleged assault two weeks ago, after school nurses noticed his daughter fainting in class and struggling academically.

He says he was left frustrated when the principal brushed aside his attempts to get answers.

“The social worker was in the room when this took place. There principal said I can do whatever that I want do as she is not easily intimidated. I then told her that I would come back with everything I have. I then sought legal advise and took my daughter with to the police station to the same Monday,” says the father.

A former School Governing Body (SGB) member he and several other officials were removed from their positions after raising concerns about the school’s management.

Tshepo Leso joined today’s protest outside the school gates, where demonstrators under the Not In My Name International banner, accused the teacher of molesting the 14-year-old special-needs learner and criticized the principal for failing to act promptly.

Leso says he was dismissed after formally raising these issues with the Education Department in 2021 but has yet to receive a response.

Without going into full detail, he described the school’s operations as deeply troubling and expressed concern for the safety of the children in its care.

“Actually this speaks volumes considering the current democratic dispensation that we are now in. If the principal is not acting on the grievances of the people on the ground it becomes difficult to get the attention we ask for because now we are seen as though we have our own personal interests that we seek to address,” says Leso.

He added that his trust in law enforcement—labeled “sellouts” by protesters—has eroded, fueling his support for the victim and her family.

Leso also claimed that he and other SGB members resigned under pressure after their own children’s safety was threatened.

The school has promised to hold the educator accountable, with feedback expected within two weeks.

Following a tense standoff between officials and protesters, a closed-door meeting was held where it was agreed that disciplinary action would be taken against the principal and the accused teacher.

The alleged perpetrator is understood to be in hospital, reportedly due to a long-term illness.

Not In My Name International’s national convenor, Boitumelo Thakge, says they will closely monitor developments.

“I don’t think we would want to say this was successful yet, but we are pleased with the outcome of the meeting. We have agreed to give them 14 working days to conduct a full investigation and we also happy that they eventually opened up to seeing us and the family to solve this issue,” says Thakge.

The learner’s father says he had to fight to have his concerns heard.

“I am not happy because we needed to fight to get their attention so let’s see as things progress,” says the father.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao