A 62-year-old technology teacher at a secondary school in Evaton, in the Vaal, South Africa, has been summarily dismissed for sexually harassing a 14-year-old grade 9 pupil. The teacher, Gwinyai Makaure, was found guilty of propositioning and inappropriately touching the pupil around March 2025. The case was heard at the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC), where Makaure chose not to mount a defence against the allegations.
According to the arbitrator, John Siavhe, Makaure initially pleaded not guilty to the charge, but later abandoned his disciplinary inquiry midway and attempted to escape accountability by resigning. However, Siavhe ruled that Makaure's calculated retreat could not shield him from the full consequences of his actions. The proceedings commenced on September 26, 2025, and the first witness was the pupil, who testified about the incident.
The pupil testified that Makaure called her and requested her friend to bring out a chair for him during a project session. He then suggested that she come sit with him on the same chair and take a selfie with him, which she refused. Makaure later told her he wanted her and wanted to date her. The pupil was shocked by Makaure's advances, as he was like a grandfather to her.
The pupil first reported the incident to her class teacher, who also testified before the ELRC that she escalated the complaint to the office of the deputy principal. Makaure refused to cross-examine the complainant, and the arbitrator advised him that if he did not challenge the complainant's testimony, it would be accepted as true. Makaure agreed, and the arbitrator found that the Gauteng education department had discharged its onus to prove Makaure sexually harassed the pupil.
Makaure tendered his resignation with immediate effect to the employer on July 9, 2026, but this did not absolve him of his actions. The arbitrator found that Makaure was unsuitable to work with children in terms of the Children's Act. He directed the ELRC general secretary to notify the department of social development to officially place Makaure on the National Child Protection Register.
The arbitrator's award, dated September 16, found that Makaure opted not to challenge the pupil's testimony, which was corroborated by two other witnesses. Makaure had requested to talk to the arbitrator off the record, saying he was ashamed of what transpired, and requested time to talk to his family. However, this did not change the outcome of the case.
The dismissal of Makaure serves as a warning to educators who engage in inappropriate behaviour with learners. The case highlights the importance of protecting learners from abuse and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. Makaure's placement on the National Child Protection Register will prevent him from working with children in the future.
Key points
- A 62-year-old technology teacher in Evaton, Vaal, has been dismissed for sexually harassing a 14-year-old pupil.
- The teacher, Gwinyai Makaure, was found guilty of propositioning and inappropriately touching the pupil around March 2025.
- Makaure has been ordered to be placed on the National Child Protection Register.
