WCED Rejects Nomination of Teacher Convicted of Statutory Rape

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) today rejected a school governing body nomination of an educator found guilty of statutory rape last year. Neil April applied, and was nominated, for a vacant post at the Acacia Primary School in Laingsburg.

In November 2005 April resigned from Acacia Primary School while the department was busy instituting formal charges of misconduct against him. In terms of the Employment of Educators Act, if a teacher resigns before disciplinary steps taken against him have not yet been disposed of, he or she shall be deemed to have been discharged from service on account of misconduct.

This applies in the case of April. Despite his dismissal and subsequent court conviction of statutory rape on 26 January 2006, the School Governing Body (SGB) nominated April for appointment for a vacant post. The SGB also asked him to start teaching before obtaining final approval of the WCED, which is irregular. The WCED has rejected the nomination and has asked the SGB to remove April with immediate effect. April left the school this morning (Monday 29 January). The WCED views the attempt of the SGB to re-employ April in a very serious light. Given his record, he clearly is not appropriate for employment as a teacher.

For enquiries, contact Gert Witbooi: 082 550 3938.

Gert Witbooi
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC for Education Western Cape
Tel: 021 467 2523
Fax: 021 425 5689
Visit our website: http://wced.wcape.gov.za

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