PICTURE: X/ JUSTICE FOR CWECWE
A private school in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, has been stripped of its registration after failing to act on allegations that a seven-year-old pupil was raped on its premises.
Bergview College is at the centre of a growing scandal after the child’s mother came forward with claims that the school ignored the attack and offered her family a transfer letter instead of support.
The incident, which allegedly took place in October 2024 while the pupil was waiting for transport, has sparked national outrage, with the hashtag #JusticeforCwecwe flooding social media.
Speaking in a podcast interview, the victim’s mother expressed her anger, stating that the school never attempted to identify the perpetrator or assist in the investigation.
The mother, herself a survivor of sexual violence, revealed that instead of justice, the school handed her a transfer letter, despite no formal request being made by the family.
The case has drawn the attention of Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, who confirmed she had been in contact with provincial officials for two days to demand accountability.
“This is deeply distressing. We must ensure this family gets the justice they deserve,” she said in a social media post.
Following mounting pressure, Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade assured Gwarube that the provincial department was taking firm action. Within hours, authorities announced the de-registration of Bergview College, citing its failure to provide a safe environment for students.
The department’s statement was damning, declaring that the school’s handling of the case violated conditions required for independent schools to operate. Officials also accused the school principal of refusing to cooperate with police, further delaying the investigation, as per SABC News.
Authorities confirmed that a rape case was opened in October 2024, but progress had been stalled due to the school’s lack of cooperation.
The Eastern Cape Department of Education has since dispatched officials to formally deliver the de-registration notice, which was acknowledged by school representatives.
The shutdown takes effect immediately, and arrangements are being made to place affected pupils in other schools. The department emphasised that child safety is non-negotiable, stating, “We will not allow any school to undermine the well-being of learners.”
With pressure mounting on law enforcement to act, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been briefed on the case to ensure the investigation is expedited. Meanwhile, public outrage continues to grow, with calls for harsher consequences for those responsible for the alleged cover-up.
Media personality Somizi Mhlongo expressed his heartbreak over the ‘Justice for Cwecwe’ campaign, which is calling for action against the school. The entertainer also pledged to cover Cwecwe’s family’s legal fees, stating, “I am willing to pay anything and everything that I have.”
The #JusticeforCwecwe march is set to take place in Cape Town on 1 April 2025 at 11am.
@lindiforchange Replying to @Faku Thobani ♬ original sound – Lindi 🇿🇦🇨🇦
First published by Cape {town} etc
Compiled by Aiden Daries
Also see: Senzo Mchunu confirms principal as suspect on Cwecwe’s Case
