Western Cape teacher dismissed over romantic advances towards learner with special needs

A Western Cape teacher was immediately dismissed after admitting to sexually harassing an 18-year-old learner at a special-needs school by repeatedly asking her for a chance, sending her WhatsApp messages, and making inappropriate romantic advances. The Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) ruled that Xolile Duma's misconduct was serious, improper, disgraceful, and unacceptable, deeming him unsuitable to work with children. Duma, employed as a hospitality educator by the Western Cape Education Department since January 2026, committed his misconduct during the first school term at Axios School of Skills and Neurodiverse Center, which serves students with cognitive difficulties.