Bergview College has officially announced the departure of its former principal, Jaco Pieterse, following months of controversy stemming from a serious allegation made against him. The school confirmed that it has “amicably parted ways” with Pieterse, whose name had made headlines earlier this year after he was accused of raping a seven-year-old learner, known publicly as “Cwecwe”.
The incident allegedly took place at a private school in the Eastern Cape, sparking national outrage and intense media coverage. However, after a thorough investigation, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) ultimately dismissed all charges, stating that there was “no conclusive evidence” to support claims of sexual assault.
Despite the dismissal, the case stirred public debate about the handling of sensitive allegations, especially those involving minors and authority figures. The NPA’s decision prompted many to question the credibility of the initial investigation and led to growing concern about the reputational damage caused to those accused before the conclusion of legal proceedings.
In a letter addressed to parents and dated 30 July 2025, the Bergview College board of trustees officially announced Pieterse’s departure, stating that the separation was effective from 30 June. The board noted, “A detailed communication regarding this matter will be issued in due course,” signaling that more clarity could follow in the weeks ahead.
In the interim, the board has appointed Mr. T Cook as acting principal until 31 December 2025. The school intends to begin its recruitment process to appoint a full-time principal in accordance with Bergview College’s internal policies.
While his role at the school has come to an end, Pieterse’s legal fight continues. With the rape charges withdrawn, he has now turned to the courts to seek justice through a series of defamation lawsuits. Pieterse is taking legal action against several prominent political figures who publicly implicated him in the incident before any official charges had been filed.
Those facing defamation suits include African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, and Eastern Cape MEC for Education Fundile Gade. All three had made public statements linking Pieterse to the alleged crime during its initial stages, which his legal team argues amounted to premature judgment and public shaming.
Pieterse is being represented by AfriForum’s private prosecution unit, which has vowed to pursue accountability for what they believe was an unjust character assassination. Barry Bateman, the unit’s spokesperson, said, “Our current priority is to ensure the prosecution of those who falsely accused him of being a suspect in an alleged rape.”
As the case evolves, it continues to raise complex questions around due process, public accountability, and the balance between protecting victims and safeguarding the rights of the accused. For Bergview College and its community, the focus now shifts to stability and leadership renewal in the wake of this controversy.
