UPDATE: SGB issues statement after Kensington parents speak out against bullying

UPDATE – May 1: Leicester Road School Governing Body (SGB) releases statement after parents highlight concerns about bullying: 

“Every single incident of victimisation that is reported to the authorities at Leicester Road School receives the highest priority from the school management team, the SGB and the Gauteng Department of Education. Each matter is processed thoroughly and interventions are put in place to safeguard all stakeholders, and work towards a positive outcome. Every incident is processed according to the protocols as established by the GDE and reports are sent to the department. These records are documented and can be made available to the media on approval from the GDE. Bullying has become a major challenge in schools and is one of the leading causes of children being afraid to attend school.”

PREVIOUSLY REPORTED – April 29:

The EXPRESS was contacted by concerned parents who alleged bullying was occurring at Leicester Road School.

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“I still have to take my child to school, but it has become such a terrifying experience. The bullying is verbal and physical and that is affecting my child,” said *Jessica Smith.

She said the bullying has been going on for some time and blamed the school for not taking the matter seriously.

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“Management has not taken serious action to show they are concerned about the safety of the children who are bullied. Parents are even afraid to say anything because they fear for the safety of the children,” said Smith.

She said her child feels unsafe at school.

“I’m not willing to take my child out of the school because management is failing to address the issue because that does not solve the problem. It’s just shifting it,” said Smith.

The school’s acting principal referred the EXPRESS to the Gauteng Department of Education for comment.

“We are still making enquiries regarding the allegations as we are not aware of a bullying issue at the school,” said spokesperson Steve Mabona.

He said the department has a policy of zero tolerance towards bullying.

“Anyone found to be transgressing this policy is dealt with in line with the South African Schools Act (SASA) code of conduct, which governs all schools. Schools are urged to enforce their codes of conduct to deal with bullying and other disciplinary matters,” said Mabona.

He appealed to parents to assist in enforcing discipline in and outside the school environment.

“Our schools are a microcosm of society and what generally occurs in our society finds expression in our schools. The collapse of the social fabric which held communities together in the past is largely blamed for the societal ills occurring in our school environment. This is evident in learner ill-discipline, learner to learner violence, learner to educator violence, bullying, gangsterism, drugs and substance abuse, teenage pregnancy and underage sex,” said Mabona.

He said a crucial factor is also the lack of parental involvement in a child’s life.

“As the department we want ensure proper procedures are followed with disciplinary hearings and psycho-social support. Schools are guided to come up with preventative measures to curb the possibilities of recurrence.

“While the matter may be concluded as soon as the disciplinary hearing is finalised, remedial action may take longer depending on the programmes children may be subjected to, such as a diversion programme for behaviour modification and counselling,” said Mabona.

According to SafeSchool founder and CEO Paul Esterhuizen, children as young as 10 could be held criminally liable for bullying if it is found beyond reasonable doubt they were aware of their actions and consequences, but will not have a criminal record.

“A number of factors have to be taken into consideration, such as the child’s background, lifestyle and parents. There are a number factors that have to be taken into consideration in order to find the right remedial solution. The aim is not to scar the child, but to help them. A child cannot be treated like a criminal,” said Esterhuizen.

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