The battle for justice surrounding the unfair treatment of a Grade 8 pupil at a public high school in Pretoria has brought to light the widespread issue of bullying in schools.
A growing number of parents, emboldened by recent events, are seeking help in dealing with similar problems, highlighting a crisis that needs immediate attention.
On September 11, parents, students, and activists came together outside the gates of Hoërskool Die Wilgers for a peaceful protest.
Organised by Felicia April, chairperson of Ward 41 for the Patriotic Alliance, the protest aimed to hold the school accountable and demand justice. Protesters called for the principal’s dismissal, the expulsion of the perpetrator, and the integration of more pupils of colour into the school.
April, who has taken it upon herself to confront bullying and discrimination in schools one institution at a time, was moved to action after hearing the distressing story of the Grade 8 pupil.
The pupil was issued a transfer letter following her father’s report of a racial slur directed at her on school grounds. The father’s efforts to address the issue through meetings with the school bore no results, leaving him disheartened.
With no resolution in sight, the father was forced to move his daughter to a private school, resulting in financial strain on the family. The emotional toll has also been severe, with the pupil admitted to a psychiatric hospital due to the mental stress caused by the incident.
Refusing to accept the injustice, April took up the fight, following the necessary protocols to demand accountability. Her perseverance has not only inspired the family to continue seeking justice but has also emboldened other parents facing similar challenges to reach out for help.
“We’re happy with the outcome of Monday, but the work is not completed until they give us what we want. I told them yesterday I will come back to the school until they meet our demand,” April declared. She remained steadfast in her mission, determined to address bullying one school at a time.
In June, Education Department spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against the implicated learner.
“The department is regrettably aware and views this matter in a very serious light. Accordingly, necessary disciplinary processes were instituted against the implicated learner, whereby the recommended sanction awaits the approval of the head of the department,” Mabona told the media.
He also noted that psychosocial support was offered to the victim, though the family opted to seek private services instead.
As she continues her fight for justice at Hoërskool Die Wilgers, April has already responded to a cry for help from another parent whose child claims to have been bullied at a primary school in Pretoria. Without hesitation, April has scheduled a visit to the school on September 17, alongside concerned parents, to address the issue.
April is calling on other parents facing similar challenges to reach out, as she remains committed to confronting bullying and discrimination at each school she encounters.
“We want our children to focus on their studies and their dreams for the future. If addressing bullying and discrimination aggressively is what it takes to make that possible, we are ready to stand for the cause,” she affirmed.
With a firm resolve and a growing coalition of concerned parents, April continues to tackle school bullying one institution at a time, determined to create a safer environment for all pupils.
The Star
sipho.jack@inl.co.za