School Ties, a new documentary series set to air on MNet, exposes the sexual misconduct and grooming that has been hidden within South Africa’s prestigious boys’ schools for far too long. The series sheds light on the culture of silence that has allowed these predators to continue their crimes and aims to answer crucial questions on the measures in place to curb them. School Ties serves as an urgent call for action and a beacon of hope for victims who have been silenced for far too long.
In recent years, South African schools have been plagued by a worrying trend of teachers engaging in assault and corporal punishment. The Eastern Cape province, in particular, has seen six teachers from different schools facing investigations for such offenses. Last year, three teachers were dismissed for similar misconduct, and another resigned earlier this year. The issue came to light again after an incident at Huku Senior Secondary School in Mandileni village, where three grade 12 students accused their principal of beating them.
South Africa’s criminal justice system is failing victims of sexual offenses, and this problem is even more pronounced in schools. Sexual bullying in schools is a pressing issue that demands proactive measures to ensure that all learners are safe and free to learn. AfriForum has taken up the challenge, launching an antibully campaign aimed at providing resources and support for schools, educators, parents, and students.
