Durban — Bullying inside and outside schools has become a huge problem and should be treated as a crime said Parents Association of KwaZulu-Natal chairperson Vee Gani on Tuesday.
Gani was responding to a video that went viral on social media platforms of a pupil physically assaulting another outside Verulam Secondary School. In the undated 46-second video clip, both girls are in school uniform surrounded by other pupils some of whom are also recording the incident. One of the girls is slapped repeatedly on her head and face and also kicked on her buttocks. The girl does not fight back.
Gani said some children go to school to cause intimidation and that is unacceptable. Gani also said that schools must be free of violence and conducive for learning and that there is no place for bullying in schools.
Gani further highlighted the trauma that bullying may cause to both the parent and pupil, saying that if one’s child is being bullied it causes one to be anxious, as it becomes a “terror ground” not a playground. Gani called for bullies to be removed from schools.
“They need to follow the process of investigation and act accordingly. For me it must be treated as a criminal offence and removing the bully from our institutions,” he said.
Gani said such incidents can profoundly impact the victimised learner, their family, and the wider school community.
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education head of the department, Nkosinathi Ngcobo condemned the incident. Ngcobo acknowledged the severity of this matter and reassured the public that they would address incidents of violence and bullying.
Ngcobo said the department is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all learners and that they will not tolerate any behaviour that undermines this commitment.
“We will work closely with the school administration to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident and to implement appropriate measures in line with our policies and procedures,” he said.
Ngcobo urges all learners, parents, and staff to report any incidents of bullying or violence to school authorities without delay.
“Together, let us work towards creating a safe and nurturing environment, where all learners can thrive,” said Ngcobo.
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