The Protocol for the Management and Reporting of Sexual Abuse and Harassment in Schools in 2019  (referred to as the Sexual Abuse and Harassment Protocol), has been developed to provide the Department of Basic Education (DBE) at all levels, especially the School Management Teams (SMTs) District Directors and Provincial Managers, with guidelines to manage and report all incidents of sexual abuse and harassment as required by the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Amendment (SORMAA) Act (No 32 Of 2007). The Protocol also provides a guide to the management and reporting of sexual abuse and harassment to encourage a consistent and appropriate response to cases of sexual abuse and harassment perpetrated against learners. It provides for a standard response to allegations by learners of sexual abuse and harassment whether they are perpetrated by fellow learners, educators or by other people.

Gender discrimination, sexual harassment and violence are against the law which means the school management is obliged to follow prescribed legal procedures when dealing with these kinds of grievances.