Western Cape Teacher Dismissed After Admitting To Sexually Harassing 18-Year-Old Learner

A Western Cape teacher has been dismissed with immediate effect after admitting to sexually harassing an 18-year-old learner at a special-needs school in Eerste River.

Xolile Duma, a hospitality educator at Axios School of Skills and Neurodiverse Centre, had been employed at the institution since January 2026. The Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) ruled that his conduct warranted dismissal.

Western Cape Teacher Admitted To Inappropriate Conduct Towards Learner

According to the arbitration award, the Western Cape teacher repeatedly asked the learner to give him a chance and called her “pumpkin”. He also asked whether she would date older men and allegedly told her he would be the happiest man on earth if she agreed to give him a chance. The conduct reportedly began during the first school term of 2026.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Limpopo Teacher Granted R1,000 Bail After Alleged Rape Of 17-Year-Old Learner

The charges further included asking the learner to place her hand next to his and commenting that their skin colours complemented each other. Duma was also accused of discussing a conversation with his wife about infidelity and the race of a person with whom he might cheat. These allegations formed part of the misconduct case considered during the inquiry.

ELRC Rules Western Cape Teacher’s Conduct Warranted Dismissal

When the allegations were put to him during the disciplinary inquiry, Duma pleaded guilty to the misconduct. Although he initially said he could not remember making the statement about his wife, he ultimately confirmed his guilty plea to the charges. The matter was then considered by the ELRC.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Newborn Baby Found Alive In Dustbin At Somerset West Mall As 25-Year-Old Woman Arrested

Senior commissioner Retief Olivier found that Duma’s behaviour towards the learner was improper, disgraceful and unacceptable. The council ruled that the seriousness of the misconduct justified his dismissal with immediate effect. Olivier also found that Duma was unsuitable to work with children.

Western Cape Teacher Dismissed With Immediate Effect

The Western Cape teacher’s dismissal follows the findings of the arbitration process concerning his conduct at Axios School of Skills and Neurodiverse Centre in Eerste River. The ruling brings his employment at the institution to an end with immediate effect. The decision was based on the misconduct admitted during the inquiry.