Eyewitness News has learned that the Western Cape Education Department has been investigating more than a dozen sexual misconduct cases at one school in the Southern Cape.

Teachers allegedly fathered children with about 20 learners at the institution.

The department said on Tuesday it has prioritised the matter and would not hesitate to take stiff disciplinary action.

The department has not been willing to divulge too many details on the slew of sexual misconduct cases it has been handling related to the school, stating that the issue was very sensitive.

MEC Donald Grant has ordered a full investigation into the matter. It is understood that several teachers became sexually involved with learners and resulted in 20 pregnancies.

Grant visited the institution this week and said he was shocked by the situation.

The South African Council of Educators which has been tasked with the investigation of these cases said it was equally dismayed.

Teachers union Sadtu said it was also disgusted.