Question NW2729 to the Minister of Basic Education

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02 October 2018 - NW2729

Profile picture: Alberts, Mr ADW

Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Basic Education

(1)With reference to her reply to question 1410 on 28 June 2018, what progress has her department made to put in place measures that will ensure that all school educators and other personnel who may come into contact with children have been vetted in accordance with the National Register for Sex Offenders; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she will make a statement on the matter?

Reply:

1. Discussion is at an advanced level with the South African Council for Educators (SACE), the Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) with regards to putting in place measures that will ensure that all school educators and other personnel who come into contact with children are vetted in accordance with the National Register for Sex Offenders.

These discussions have culminated in a draft Protocol between the SACE, the employers of educators, the DSD and the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ) on the management of educators’ conduct, accessing the registers and the reporting of offences against children to the DSD. It is envisaged that the protocol will be concluded before the end of this year.

Since conditions of employment of other personnel appointed in terms of the Public Service Act are determined by the Minister of Public Service and Administration, a request to the Minister to amend the Public Service Regulations to accommodate the requirements of the Children’s Act, 2005 and the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007 may be necessary, alternatively to work together with the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) to develop a similar protocol.

2. The events leading to the finalisation of the protocol will guide the Minister on whether to issue a statement or not.

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