The Minister of Education in the Western Cape, Ms Helen Zille, has commented as follows on the release of the report by Human Rights Watch on sexual violence against girls in South African schools:

"One case of sexual abuse in any school is one too many. I am aware that sexual abuse takes place in schools, but the situation painted by the report is more serious than even I imagined. I would very much like the Human Rights Watch to assist me by providing the names of the schools in which the research was done. Obviously the anonymity of the pupils must be respected. Then I can get a clearer picture of the schools and the circumstances involved.

"We have put a great deal of work into a sexual harassment and abuse policy, and we are pleased to note that the HRW reports describes this work ‘as a model for improving the system’s response to violence against girls’.

"Rape is a criminal offence and must be dealt with through the criminal justice system in the first instance. The Department has a crucial role in making schools safe for learners and enabling them to seek support to resist any form of harassment.

Last year Ms Bev Barry of the WCED did excellent work on compiling a full proposal on dealing with sexual harassment and sexual violence in schools. I support the proposals fully. We are currently in the process of integrating these proposals with other initiatives.

"We are now planning to launch our policy on sexual abuse in May in such to ensure maximum impact in schools and the widest possible communication. Every day lost is a day to many and I am very impatient on this issue. If such a situation applies in a small minority of our schools, it is still far too many. It warrants crisis interventions which we owe to our pupils.

"Meanwhile, the WCED’s Safe Schools Programme launched a Call Centre in March 2000, which is already playing a major role in addressing the problem of sexual violence and other forms of abuse. The Call Centre’s toll-free number is 0800-45-46-47.

"We urge victims of abuse, particularly those involving sexual abuse, to make use of this facility. Staff include counsellors who are trained to deal with problems of this kind. If they cannot assist directly, they can refer cases to appropriate agencies and authorities within the WCED or partner organisations."