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100 signatures reached
To: The Governing Body and Principal of Bergview School, Matatiele, Eastern Cape Department of Education
#JusticeForCwecwe
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Image Credit: Women for Change
We, the undersigned past students of Bergview School, express our deep concern, anger, and disappointment regarding the grievous failure of the school to uphold its duty to protect learners — culminating in the tragic rape of a 7-year-old child.
We, the undersigned past students of Bergview School, express our deep concern, anger, and disappointment regarding the grievous failure of the school to uphold its duty to protect learners — culminating in the tragic rape of a 7-year-old child.
This failure constitutes not only a profound ethical violation but also a legal breach of the school’s obligations under its registration with the Eastern Cape Department of Education. We have learned that the school has since been deregistered due to non-compliance.
As alumni of this institution, we are compelled to state the following:
- The safety of children must never be compromised. The school had a legal and moral responsibility to protect every learner, and it failed.
- We condemn the inaction and mismanagement that led to this tragedy and the subsequent deregistration.
- We demand full transparency from the school’s Governing Body and Principal about what occurred, what measures (if any) were taken, and what actions are being implemented to address the harm.
- We call for an independent investigation into the governance failures that allowed this situation to unfold — and for the report to be made public.
- We insist that the Governing Body and Principal step down if they are found to have breached the law or failed to act in the best interest of learners.
We further urge:
- The Department of Education to ensure that no child is re-exposed to risk by allowing the school to reopen under a new name or registration without full compliance and safeguarding measures in place.
- The school’s management to uphold its legal obligations and cooperate fully with any legal proceedings or regulatory actions.
- That justice and care be provided to the victim and their family — without delay, denial, or deflection.
As proud alumni, we will not stand by silently. The Bergview name must never again be associated with negligence, abuse, or the silencing of victims. We stand for justice, transparency, and change.
#SafeSchools #SGBAccountability
Why is this important?
Why Should Bergview Past Pupils Sign the Petition?
Because we know what it should feel like to be safe at school.
Because we walked those corridors. Sat in those classrooms.
Because we were once those learners — and we know they deserve better.
Because we walked those corridors. Sat in those classrooms.
Because we were once those learners — and we know they deserve better.
Signing the petition is not just about showing solidarity.
It’s about standing up against the gross violations of learner safety happening at our former school.
It’s about using our voices and influence to demand accountability, change, and protection for the next generation.
It’s about standing up against the gross violations of learner safety happening at our former school.
It’s about using our voices and influence to demand accountability, change, and protection for the next generation.
We cannot be silent while learners are unsafe in a place meant to empower them.
Let’s make sure Bergview lives up to the values it taught us.
Let’s make sure Bergview lives up to the values it taught us.
South African schools have a legal and constitutional duty to safeguard the safety and well-being of all learners. Section 28(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa asserts that “a child’s best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child.” This principle is operationalized through the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996, which obligates schools to implement reasonable measures ensuring learner safety on school premises and during school activities. The Children’s Act 38 of 2005 further mandates that any individual responsible for a child—including educators and school governing bodies—must protect them from maltreatment, abuse, neglect, and degradation.
Judicial interpretations have reinforced these obligations. In the case of MEC for Education, North West Province v Izak Boshoff Foster and Others [2023] ZASCA 11, the Supreme Court of Appeal held a school liable for injuries sustained by a learner during a rugby match due to the absence of competent first aid providers. The court emphasized that schools, acting in loco parentis, have a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm to learners under their care.
Judicial interpretations have reinforced these obligations. In the case of MEC for Education, North West Province v Izak Boshoff Foster and Others [2023] ZASCA 11, the Supreme Court of Appeal held a school liable for injuries sustained by a learner during a rugby match due to the absence of competent first aid providers. The court emphasized that schools, acting in loco parentis, have a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm to learners under their care.
Moreover, The "Regulations Relating to Safety Measures at Independent Schools," issued under Government Gazette No. 26663 on 20 August 2004, outline the safety requirements and protocols that independent schools must adhere to. These regulations provide detailed guidelines for maintaining a safe environment for learners and staff.
Issued by Bergview College Alumni