Bergview College shut down after failing to protect 7-year-old rape victim
Bergview College, a private school in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, has had its registration revoked after it allegedly failed to act on reports that a seven-year-old student was raped on its premises.
The shocking case has ignited national outrage, with the hashtag #JusticeforCwecwe trending as South Africans demand accountability.
The child’s mother has accused the school of dismissing her concerns and attempting to sidestep responsibility by offering her a transfer letter instead of support.
According to her, the alleged assault occurred in October 2024 while her daughter was waiting for transport, yet the school made no effort to identify the perpetrator or assist with investigations.
“I was expecting justice, not a transfer letter,” the devastated mother shared in a podcast interview.
A survivor of sexual violence herself, she expressed frustration at how the institution handled the incident, saying the lack of urgency only deepened her pain.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has since intervened, confirming she spent two days engaging with provincial authorities to ensure action was taken.
“This is deeply distressing. We must ensure this family gets the justice they deserve,” she posted on social media.
Amid growing public pressure, Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade assured the minister that the department would take firm steps.
Shortly after, officials announced that Bergview College was being deregistered, citing its failure to provide a safe environment for learners.
The decision followed damning findings that the school had not only ignored the case but also refused to cooperate with police, delaying the investigation.
According to reports from SABC News, authorities confirmed that a rape case was opened in October 2024, but progress was stalled due to the school’s lack of assistance.
The Eastern Cape Department of Education has since dispatched officials to formally serve the deregistration notice, which school representatives acknowledged. The closure takes immediate effect, with arrangements underway to relocate affected learners to other institutions.
“Child safety is non-negotiable. We will not allow any school to undermine the well-being of learners,” the department declared.
As the call for justice intensifies, law enforcement is under pressure to act swiftly.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has been briefed on the matter, with authorities vowing to expedite the investigation. Meanwhile, prominent figures have lent their voices to the cause.
The movement continues to gain momentum, with a #JusticeforCwecwe protest scheduled for 1 April 2025 in Cape Town at 11 am.
