By Rafieka Williams
Calm has returned to Tiyelelane Secondary School in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, following a protest on Tuesday by learners that left one student injured and damaged four state vehicles and one private car.
This comes after irate learners were seen pelting stones and moving between schools in an uproar over allegations of sexual assault by the teaching staff.
It is alleged that a teacher at the school had sexually assaulted one of the learners and one of the bus drivers had been in a relationship with another learner at the school.
The learners had reported the incidents to the principal who they said had ignored their outcry.
On Tuesday, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) removed the principal of Tiyelelane High School to restore calm to the school and the surrounding area.
GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said: “The department has taken the precautionary step of removing the principal from Tiyelelani Secondary effective from Wednesday, 3 September 2025.”
“We believe that this action will play a significant role in stabilising the school environment and allow for an impartial process. The acting deputy principal will assist with the day-to-day running of the school, supported by district officials.”
Mabona said GDE are investigating the allegations of sexual assault, however the Tshwane South Africa Police Service (SAPS) said no allegations of sexual assault had been reported by the school.
Education MEC, Matome Chiloane said: “We are determined to act in the best interest of learners at Tiyelelani Secondary School and surrounding schools. Allegations of misconduct by educators or any employee even those from our service providers will be subjected to disciplinary processes.”
During the protests one learner was injured and rushed to a medical facility where they are recovering.
“The SAPS and TMPD continue to monitor the situation in Soshanguve after learners reportedly disrupted schools in that area. The police used stun grenades to disperse the crowd, which was pelting stones,” police said.
Matric learners who were scheduled to sit for preliminary examinations managed to write their papers as planned while law enforcement keeps a watchful eye on the situation.
INSIDE EDUCATION
