A Cape Town schoolteacher has been fired after allegedly distributing sex positions to learners on WhatsApp.
The Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) dismissed Ryan Andrews, an Afrikaans teacher at Elsies River High School, with immediate effect on July 26 after he pleaded guilty to the charges on July 19.
Andrews, who was employed by the Western Cape Education Department from January 2020, was charged with committing sexual assault by kissing a learner in November 2022.
During an arbitration hearing, details emerged about Andrews kissing two learners, sending various sex positions on WhatsApp, and promising to pay R5000 for non-testifying.
ELRC commissioner Gail McGowan said Andrews is unsuitable to work with children in terms of section 120 (4) of the Children’s Act and his SACE certificate is set to be revoked.
“In view of my finding of the serious nature of the conduct of Andrews and the priority to protect the rights of children, I find that Andrews is unsuitable to work with children.
“In tribunals of this nature, consideration of the best interests of the children is paramount. My finding is aimed at the protection of children and in particular, vulnerable young girls,” said McGowan.
McGowan said educator Lameez Mushfieldt reported that she had been told a learner had been inappropriately kissed by Andrews in November 2022.
“Cheryl Williams (educator level 1) had brought the same allegations with WhatsApp messages received by (the learner) that an arrangement had been made for her to meet up with Andrews after school.
“Initially, this request from Andrews had been declined by (the learner).
“At this meeting she had been kissed by Andrews.
“There had been additional plans made for Andrews to take (the learner) and meet outside the school, although at this suggestion (the learner) had decided to go home instead,” McGowan said.
On November 2, 2022, Andrews invited the learner out on a date, but she declined due to concerns that Andrews’s actions could lead to trouble.
“In response to Andrews asking whether (the learner) had reported him, she had said no as she was afraid that she might get hurt. Andrews stopped the harassment and (the learner) forgave him,” McGowan said.
The Western Cape Education Department welcomed the outcome handed down by the ELRC.
“We adopt a zero-tolerance approach to any form of sexual abuse in our schools. The educator was dismissed with effect from July 26,” the department said.
sibuliso.duba@inl.co.za
Cape Argus