Maths teacher dismissed for allegedly ‘rubbing pupil’s thigh’ during extra class

THE Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) has dismissed a JG Meiring High School teacher found guilty of sexual misconduct after he allegedly rubbed a former pupil’s upper thigh and said he loved her.

The teacher, identified as F Daniels in the ELRC arbitration award, and legal representation did not attend the proceedings.

This is after they sent an application for a postponement which wasn’t granted. On the morning of the inquiry, the teacher submitted a medical certificate which was rejected as a “delaying tactic”.

The Goodwood teacher was charged with two offences relating to sexual misconduct of the pupil who at that time was 16 years old.

The former pupil testified that she was in Grade 11 in 2019 and only knew the teacher from school as he taught her mathematics.

She explained that the first incident happened during a Saturday extra class when she requested help with one of the problems. She was sitting at a single desk dressed in jeans. The teacher allegedly slowly rubbed her upper thigh multiple times while explaining the work to her.

In the second incident the pupil said they were in a maths class again and the teacher called her to his desk. She said the teacher asked why her lips were so dry and apparently said he wanted to kiss them. He also said he loved her.

The Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) labour relations official, Debora Mathshaya, testified that the family reported the matter and also sent an email to the SGB.

Arbitrator Retief Olivier said the teacher did not submit a case and therefore has also not pleaded.

“As such, he has not denied the allegations and that he was guilty of the charges. Considering the incontrovertible evidence of the witnesses, which I find probable and corroborated, I find the employee guilty of the main charges.”

Olivier dismissed the teacher with immediate effect.

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the arbitration award was issued on June 9, and yesterday was considered his last day in service.

“The educator has not communicated his intention in respect of the award outcome. However, he is at liberty to exercise his right to have the award reviewed,” Hammond said.