MEDIA STATEMENT-MINISTER OF EDUCATION IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE SEXUAL OFFENCES ACT
10 September 2009-The Independent Democrats remains concerned that despite assurances to comply with the provisions of the Sexual Offences Act, the Ministry of Education has still not applied for clearance certificates from the registrar of sex offenders for the more than 380 000 teachers in the department.
Members Statement
Sexual Offences Act
Hon Speaker
The Independent Democrats remains concerned that despite assurances to comply with the provisions of the Sexual Offences Act, the Ministry of Education has still not applied for clearance certificates from the registrar of sex offenders for the more than 380 000 teachers in the department.
In response to a recent question that I submitted to the Hon Minister, she confirmed that her department has not applied for clearance certificates from the Registrar of Sex Offenders because of a delay by the Registrar in capturing the information. This delay has gone on now for far too long.
Once again good policies are failing because of the slow pace of implementation.
What is of more serious concern is that our children remain exposed and are at risk to a minority of “sex pest” teachers at schools because the Department has failed to screen and “root out” serial sex offenders employed as teachers.
The ID calls on the Ministers of Education and Justice to urgently address the completion of the Sexual Offences Register so that we may prevent sex predators from slipping through the cracks and masquerading as teachers in our schools.
I thank you
For enquiries contact MP Haniff Haniff Hoosen - 084 2000 460
Sexual Offences Act
Hon Speaker
The Independent Democrats remains concerned that despite assurances to comply with the provisions of the Sexual Offences Act, the Ministry of Education has still not applied for clearance certificates from the registrar of sex offenders for the more than 380 000 teachers in the department.
In response to a recent question that I submitted to the Hon Minister, she confirmed that her department has not applied for clearance certificates from the Registrar of Sex Offenders because of a delay by the Registrar in capturing the information. This delay has gone on now for far too long.
Once again good policies are failing because of the slow pace of implementation.
What is of more serious concern is that our children remain exposed and are at risk to a minority of “sex pest” teachers at schools because the Department has failed to screen and “root out” serial sex offenders employed as teachers.
The ID calls on the Ministers of Education and Justice to urgently address the completion of the Sexual Offences Register so that we may prevent sex predators from slipping through the cracks and masquerading as teachers in our schools.
I thank you
For enquiries contact MP Haniff Haniff Hoosen - 084 2000 460
