teacher convicted of statutory rape
29 January 2007
The Western Cape Education Department 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
Media Liaison Officer
Office of the MEC for Education
Western Cape
Tel: (021) 467 2523
Fax: (021) 425 5689
Cell: 082 550 3938
Paddy Attwell:
Cell: 083 261 7699
Issued by: Department of Education, Western Cape Provincial Government
29 January 2007
