The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has terminated its partnership with Nali’Bali with immediate effect following a deeply concerning incident of alleged sexual assault by a Nali’Bali practitioner on a Grade 3 learner at Braamfischerville Primary School.
The incident reportedly took place on 24 March 2025 and was brought to the school's attention by the learner’s parent the following day.
The Gauteng Education Department's spokesperson, Steve Mabona, says the alleged perpetrator, a Nali’Bali practitioner, is not a GDE employee.
He says the suspect has been in custody since March 28th and will apply for bail at his next court appearance on Monday.
Mabona says a joint meeting was held to inform the School Governing Body (SGB) of the developments.
He says a parent engagement session is scheduled for Saturday, 12 April 2025, to provide further clarity and reassure the school community about the safety of their children.
Mabona says this deeply disturbing incident comes as the Department continues to address the broader issue of sexual misconduct within schools.
"It must be emphasised that the department has been vetting all existing school-based and newly appointed employees.
"To date, our record shows that about 42 cases of sexual misconduct have been reported to the Gauteng Department of Education.
"The status of these cases is that about 19 cases have been finalised, which resulted in about 11 employees being dismissed, four employees were found not guilty, two cases were withdrawn against employees due to insufficient evidence, and one employee resigned while another employee retired from public service," he added.
According to the Department, another 23 cases are pending finalisation, 15 are at various stages of disciplinary hearings, and eight are still under investigation.
This national reading-for-enjoyment campaign partnered with the GDE in hopes of propelling South African children's potential through storytelling and reading, specifically in foundation phase learning following the transfer of Early Childhood Development (ECD) to Education.
On Wednesday, Nali'Bali issued a statement assuring parents that the well-being of children was their highest priority.
A spokesperson, Danielle Piet, says the employee was suspended with immediate effect on the same day the allegations came to light.
She says that as an organisation, they pledge to address the matter with transparency, sensibility, and a resolute commitment to justice and accountability.
