By Kaya 959 News
The National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa has called for an end to bullying after a Grade 10 learner committed suicide after being bullied at school.
Naptosa KZN CEO, Thirona Moodley, said bullying at schools has become entrenched in school culture.
“Video footage circulated of bullying adds to the humiliation and hurt accompanied with the bullying. We must take quick decisive action against the perpetrators of bullying,” Moodley said.
She said parents and learners must be encouraged to report these incidents in a manner they feel safe.
“As a country, we are vocal about gender-based violence, we cannot allow schools to become breeding grounds for learners to grow up into violent adults,” Moodley said.
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Calls for anti-bullying measures to be implemented
DA provincial spokesperson on Education, Jacques Smalle, said they were concerned that many incidents of bullying go unreported and no intervention can take place by the department.
“We note with dismay and sadness the incident of bullying that occurred at Mbilwi Secondary School in Sibasa that went viral on social media. The minor girl seen bullied in the video committed suicide after the incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the young girl’s family during this very difficult time,” Smalle said.
He said they will write to the MEC for Education, Polly Boshielo, to request that helpful, age-appropriate and user-friendly anti-bullying measures be implemented across all schools in the province as a matter of urgency.
Attacker arrested
Lufuno Mavhungu, aged 15, was attacked by a fellow schoolgirl this week. A video that surfaced on social media showed the Grade 10 pupil slapping Lufuno several times while other learners cheered on.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, said went home in the afternoon and she allegedly locked herself in the room and consumed an overdose of tablets.
“She was apparently found by her mother lying unconscious and was taken to Siloam Hospital where she was certified dead on arrival. The deceased was also a learner at the same school. An inquest docket has been opened and police investigations are continuing,” he said.
The attacker has since been arrested and according to Mojapelo “will be dealt with in accordance with the Child Justice Act.”
Boshielo is expected to visit Lufuno’s family today.
“We once more convey our deepest condolences to the family, friends and the entire school community of the deceased. No amount of words can ever soothe the pain you are going through,” MEC Boshielo said.
