Education stakeholders are urging government to implement stricter and more frequent background checks on individuals working with children in schools, following new data revealing that nearly 3% of screened school staff have criminal records.
The figures, released by Tenant Profile Network (TPN), are based on screenings conducted between March 2023 and February 2024. They highlight serious concerns, with some education employees flagged for violent and sexual offences.
Education expert Hendrick Makaneta says the current system lacks ongoing monitoring.
“Teachers only submit police clearance certificates once—when they register with the South African Council for Educators,” Makaneta explained. “After that, they could work for decades without any further vetting. If something happens later, it’s nearly impossible to detect.”
Makaneta is calling for mandatory re-screening every five years, likening it to routine licence renewals, to ensure the continued safety of learners.
While acknowledging the sector’s staffing shortages and the need to attract skilled educators, Makaneta insists that child protection must remain the top priority.
“It’s a delicate balance, but the welfare of our children must always come first,” he said.