The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga is demanding accountability from the Department of Education and MEC Lindi Masina regarding their apparent inaction concerning a troubling case of gender-based violence and the department’s response to a senior SADTU official involved in violent assault allegations.
On 29 May 2025, Bheki Nkosi, the Secretary of SADTU at the South Highveld Region, was arrested in Bethal on charges of assault causing grievous bodily harm after he assaulted his girlfriend, Nqobile Sihlangu, a fellow teacher and SADTU member. Nkosi’s actions reportedly included multiple assaults, and he was subsequently detained for three months, with his bail application denied multiple times due to the severity of the charges.
Despite the seriousness of the case, allegations have surfaced that Nkosi violated a Protection Order, which barred him from contacting or harassing the victim, by obtaining a cellphone and continuing to threaten and harass Sihlangu from custody. Nkosi’s continued employment as the SADTU South Highveld Regional Secretary has drawn criticism, especially after SADTU’s Provincial Secretary, Walter Hhlaise, confirmed Nkosi’s transfer from Bethal to eMalahleni and his ongoing duties—beyond the scope of the original allegations.
The DA expressed its concern in a written plea dated June 13, 2025, calling on SADTU and the Department of Education to conduct internal investigations and suspend Nkosi until his court case concludes. The party also urged the department and union to develop policies addressing gender-based violence, noting that SADTU currently lacks a dedicated GBVF policy.
Further disappointment was added when SADTU refused to sign the EDU 9 form, delaying the transfer of Sihlangu to another school in her hometown of Nkomazi, contrary to her wishes. The organisation’s apparent leniency toward Nkosi and lack of policy measures against GBVF reveal troubling attitudes that could undermine efforts to combat gender-based violence within educational institutions.
The case remains pending, with Nkosi released on R2000 bail and scheduled to appear in court again on 18 November 2025. The DA plans to hold a picket outside the court in support of the victim and to send a clear message that gender-based violence cannot be tolerated in any setting, including education.
Annerie Weber, MPL and DA Spokesperson on Education for Mpumalanga, emphasised, “This case highlights the urgent need for heightened accountability and the implementation of comprehensive policies to fight GBVF within our education system. Both SADTU and the provincial Department of Education must act decisively to show zero tolerance for such violence and protect the rights and safety of our teachers and learners alike.”
The DA calls on the provincial government to intervene promptly, ensure disciplinary action is taken against Nkosi, and implement policies that support victims of gender-based violence in schools.