Durban — A video depicting bullying at Thabela High School in Botha’s Hill, Durban has sparked widespread outrage after circulating on social media.
The video shows two pupils engaging in disturbing acts of bullying, prompting the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education to respond swiftly and publicly condemn the behaviour over the weekend.
In the video, one pupil is seated at his desk while two others are continuously slapping him.
In a statement, the department emphasised its commitment to fostering respect, dignity, and safety in schools, calling the incident a violation of these fundamental values.
"Bullying undermines the core principles of our educational system. We cannot tolerate actions that compromise the well-being of our learners," the Department said.
In response to the incident, the department has deployed a task team to Thabela High to conduct an in-depth investigation. It said the team will also provide psychological support to those involved in or affected by the bullying.
“The department is determined to ensure swift consequences for those responsible and to support a culture of respect among learners.”
The viral video has ignited a broader conversation about the prevalence of bullying in South African schools and the need for more robust interventions. KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka reiterated the government's zero-tolerance policy toward bullying, urging parents, educators, and learners to report incidents early and stand against such behaviour.
Social media users took to social media to express their concern:
Hlelolwenkosi Hlela said she thinks the pupils hitting the other pupil should face the law and be arrested and that the department should intervene.
Nomathamsanqa Jwara shared the same sentiments calling for the bullies’ immediate arrest.
Mbalinator Prettigirl called on the school principal to take swift action.
As part of its response, the department announced plans to intensify anti-bullying programs across schools in the KwaZulu-Natal province. These efforts aim to prevent future incidents and create safer learning environments.
"We call on all stakeholders to remain vigilant and work together to ensure that our schools are safe havens for education, free from intimidation and harm," said Hlomuka.
The department further stated that this incident highlights the ongoing need for collaboration between communities and authorities to create environments where learners can thrive without fear.
Authorities have asked for the public’s cooperation in dealing with this matter sensitively while they continue with their investigation.
In an opinion piece last month, Dr Sheetal Bhoola, a lecturer and researcher at the University of Zululand, and the director at StellarMaths (Sunningdale), said verbal violence is also prevalent and can be described as bullying, criticism, blame, accusations, demeaning comments, derogatory language, condensation and light sarcasm which can be misrepresented as humour. Even though it’s a form of non-physical aggression, the impact on the individual is emotional hurt and intimidation.
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