The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province has lodged accusations with the Hawks regarding the sale of teaching positions and potential 'sex for work' practices within the provincial Department of Education, following the department's failure to respond to inquiries.
The DA's education representative in KZN, MPL Sakhihle Mngadi, stated that the formal submission of charges to the Hawks occurred after the seven-day deadline provided to the department expired, which followed the appearance of suspicious video footage in July.
Mngadi noted that the department could not provide a full report on the progress of investigating these allegations. He highlighted the absence of an investigation report, uncertainty about who conducted the review, and a lack of explanation as to whether disciplinary or criminal action had been taken.
These allegations have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the teacher recruitment process in the province, particularly among qualified young educators seeking employment in a highly competitive job market.
According to Mngadi, the situation goes beyond administrative shortcomings and could have serious consequences for teachers who should be appointed based on their merits and qualifications. He asserted that real people are behind this scandal—qualified young teachers who deserve to know that employment is based on merit, not money, connections, or sexual exploitation.
He categorically stated: 'No teacher should ever have to pay cash or their body to teach our children.'
The DA has requested that the Hawks conduct an independent investigation to determine if criminal behaviour, including corruption, fraud, abuse of power, or organized practice of selling teaching posts, took place.
Mngadi also questioned the lack of publicly available information regarding the investigation, which was reportedly initiated by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education Head (HOD) Nkosinatwe Ngcobo. Mngadi demanded that Ngcobo inform the residents of KZN about the outcome of this investigation.
Furthermore, he called on the Minister of Education, MEC Sipho Hlomuka, to explain how the department handled this issue, noting that 'MEC Hlomuka is the political leader and must explain why there has been weeks of silence.'
The Alliance also sent a letter to the Minister of Basic Education, Sivive Gwarube, requesting national oversight on the matter. Mngadi urged individuals with information about the alleged violations to come forward, stating that the party has established a confidential channel for whistleblowers.
The public appeal reads: 'Members of the public with information or evidence concerning the allegations are encouraged to send a strictly confidential email to NoSexForJobs.dakzn@gmail.com. All received information will be treated with due sensitivity.'
The appeal also drew attention from education activist Hendrik Macaneta, who believes that any suggestion of financial influence or sexual exploitation in teacher appointments undermines trust in the education system.
Macaneta expressed deep concern, stating that allegations that teaching positions may depend on money or sexual exploitation strike at the heart of fairness and public trust in education.
He insisted that the allegations must undergo a proper investigation, but stressed that any hiring system that does not prioritize qualifications and merit is unacceptable.
Macaneta noted that the consequences for young teachers can be particularly devastating, given the years and financial resources they invested in obtaining qualifications while facing unemployment or temporary employment.
He added that the perception of needing to pay money or submit to sexual exploitation to get a job can destroy hope and deter talented people from the profession.
The activist called for greater transparency in the hiring process, including fair interviews, accountable decision-making, and mechanisms allowing applicants to challenge alleged violations.
Macaneta concluded that the hiring process must be transparent, and teacher appointments must be based on honest interviews and accountable decision-making. Applicants must understand how appointments are made and have access to a reliable process for challenging violations.
He also insisted on strengthening protection for future teachers who report alleged misconduct, demanding the creation of confidential reporting and whistleblower protection channels. Macaneta stated that no one should fear losing job opportunities because of refusing to participate in sexual exploitation.
Macaneta believes that the allegations require an independent investigation that ensures the protection of applicants and witnesses, and that those found guilty must face appropriate disciplinary and criminal consequences if a violation is established. He also insisted that the department take measures to ensure that qualified candidates who may have been unfairly excluded are not left without legal recourse.
In conclusion, Macaneta noted that this scandal highlights the importance of reflecting the values expected of teachers in the hiring process itself: integrity, fairness, dignity, and accountability.