For immediate release.
In October 2024, a 7-year-old learner from Bergview College in Matatiele, Alfred Nzo District, was allegedly sexually assaulted. Despite the severity of the allegations and public outcry, the suspect remains unidentified, and there has been no meaningful progress in the investigation.
The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) in the Eastern Cape is outraged by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) failure to expedite this case and the lack of cooperation from Bergview College’s management. Reports have surfaced that the school’s principal has refused to take a DNA test, obstructing the investigation and hindering efforts to achieve justice.
The ANCYL in the Eastern Cape is appalled that Bergview College is more focused on fighting its deregistration rather than prioritising the serious concerns surrounding the rape allegations. The school’s management should focus on cooperating with the investigation and ensuring the safety and well-being of its learners, not obstructing justice.
Planned Actions:
A night vigil will be held on April 7th, 2025, at a venue to be confirmed later.
On April 8th, 2025, the ANCYL Eastern Cape will lead a total shutdown of Matatiele. The ANCYL has chosen this particular day to block the reopening of schools and mobilize school learners to join in this peaceful demonstration, demanding urgent action on this case.
This shutdown and march are initiatives of the ANCYL, Holekane Women’s Support Organisation, and Lady Ocean Foundation, together with the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL).
No learner will be allowed entry into the gates of Bergview College until our demands are met.
Demands:
Urgent SAPS Intervention: SAPS must prioritise this case and expedite the investigation. It has been over five months since the case was opened, yet no suspect has been identified or arrested. This delay is unacceptable, and we demand swift progress in this matter.
Accountability from Bergview College:
The school management must fully cooperate with the investigation and cease attempts to block the school’s deregistration. The principal’s refusal to take a DNA test must be immediately addressed.
Closure of Bergview College Until Justice is Served:
The ANCYL in the Eastern Cape demands that Bergview College remain closed until clear accountability is established and justice for Cwecwe is achieved. No schools will reopen on April 8th, 2025, until justice is served.
Protection of Learners’ Rights:
The Department of Community Safety and the Department of Education must take immediate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of learners at Bergview College and all schools in the district.
Endorsement of Justice for Cwecwe:
The ANCYL is committed to ensuring that Bergview College remains closed until justice for Cwecwe is served. The voices of the community and the call for justice will not be silenced.
Memorandum of Demands On the day of the shutdown:
The ANCYL will officially hand over a Memorandum of Demands to the Office of the Premier, MEC of Education and MEC of Community safety in the Eastern Cape, calling for urgent intervention and action regarding the case.
The ANCYL in the Eastern Cape will not rest until justice for Cwecwe is served.
Issued by the Eastern Cape African National Congress Youth League.
For enquiries, contact:
Vuyo Jali
Provincial Chairperson
0607508880
Francisco Dyantyi
Provincial Secretary
0784492422
