Teachers who sexually abuse pupils will be named and shamed and lose their jobs, the SA Council for Educators (SACE) said on Tuesday.

"SACE is deeply concerned that some of our teachers continue molesting children. Further, it is extremely disturbing that some of our male colleagues maintain a sexual relationship with girls who are under age," the statutory body said in a statement.

"Council has decided to rid the profession of this scourge. It has initiated a category of educators struck-off indefinitely so as to prevent these miscreants from ever entering the teaching profession. "These names would be made public in future."

The council also warned it would take disciplinary action against teachers who engaged in party political activity during school hours.

SACE said it wanted to acknowledge the role teachers played in the anti-apartheid struggle, and to praise teachers who educated pupils about human rights and promote democracy.

"However council categorically forbids educators from participating in party political activities during school time. SACE shall subject such educators to its disciplinary processes."

Sapa

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