Cape Town teacher Kelly Manus has found herself at the heart of a growing controversy after making allegations of sexual harassment that have sparked protests, public outcry, and an ongoing legal battle. The situation has unfolded with both local community members and political groups rallying behind Manus, demanding justice for her and urging authorities to take her claims seriously.
The issue first came to light when Manus shared her experience on social media last week, detailing an incident of alleged harassment at Symphony High School in Belhar, where she taught for three years. According to Manus, a male colleague—who is married to the school’s principal—slapped her on the bottom during a school event in November 2023. This act of misconduct became the focal point of her fight for justice, but the situation soon grew more complicated as it was categorized not as sexual harassment, but as “crimen injuria” by the police.
Manus’s claims have resonated widely, with community members, parents, and even political parties coming together to protest in front of the school. On Friday, demonstrators held signs demanding an end to harassment and justice for Manus, calling attention to the need for proper investigation and accountability. Their voices were loud and clear: “Stop harassing teachers and kids,” and “Justice for Kelly” echoed through the streets.
In response, a memorandum was presented to the school, calling for an impartial investigation into the allegations. Vanessa le Roux, speaking on behalf of the advocacy group Parents for Equal Education, expressed deep concern about how the case was handled by the authorities. She stated that they are now pressing for answers from the police as to why the incident was not classified as sexual harassment, a classification she believes is both warranted and necessary to ensure the proper legal procedures are followed.
Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway. According to spokesperson FC van Wyk, a crimen injuria case was registered at Belhar SAPS in January 2025, based on the complainant’s statement regarding the incident, which allegedly took place in November 2023. As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities continue to probe the matter.
Despite the legal process unfolding, Manus has found herself in an uncertain position. She has been appointed to a contract teaching role at another school in Cape Town, which has prevented her from commenting further on the case. Nonetheless, her supporters remain steadfast, advocating for clarity and justice as the investigation continues.
The Western Cape Education Department has also weighed in on the matter, disputing Manus’s claims that she did not receive adequate support following the alleged incident. Manus, who also creates content on TikTok, has suggested that her teaching career was affected by the fallout from the harassment. She claims that despite an understanding with the former principal to convert her substitute position into a permanent role, she was left unemployed by December 2024. She added that the male teacher in question had been cautioned to stay away from her, and that the matter related to her position was eventually addressed through the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC).
As the legal process continues, the public debate around the case has raised important questions about workplace harassment and the responsibility of educational institutions to protect their staff. The support for Kelly Manus reflects a broader societal concern about creating safe environments for teachers and students alike, free from abuse of any kind. As her fight for justice unfolds, many are watching closely, hoping for a resolution that will not only bring accountability to this specific case but also set a precedent for how such matters are handled in the future.
