When we talk about sexual harassment in schools, the conversation often centres on learners being victimised by teachers or other adults. But what happens when the roles are reversed? When the alleged perpetrator is a child, and the victim is an adult entrusted with educating and guiding that
child? A disturbing incident in the Free State has brought this uncomfortable question into focus. A 14-year-old Grade 7 learner at Dibeng-sa-Tsebo Primary School in Botshabelo is accused of sexually harassing a teacher, prompting the provincial Education MEC to condemn the alleged conduct
and reaffirm that abuse of teachers will not be tolerated. But beyond the incident itself, there are bigger questions we need to confront. What does it say about a society when a child of just 14 is
allegedly engaging in behaviour of this nature towards an adult? Where are children learning about sexual behaviour, boundaries and power? Are parents, schools and communities doing enough to teach respect and appropriate conduct? And could this be a reflection of a deeper moral and
social crisis in our society? Tonight, we unpack what may be driving such behaviour among young
people, the responsibility of parents and communities, and what moral regeneration should look like in a society increasingly confronted with questions about discipline, values and accountability.