Each One Teach One Foundation condemns bullying in schools
Schools must be capacitated with conflict-resolution mechanisms to constantly help resolve school ground and class-related conflicts by learners.
School violence is escalating despite the measures put in place by the Department of Education (DoE) to address the problem.
Both teachers and learners fear for their safety and consequently, the learning process is stymied by the need to deal with unruly behaviour and prevent serious episodes of aggression and violence.
The recent disturbing video circulating on social media that shows a Grade 10 learner being slapped multiple times at one of the best-performing schools in the country, Mbilwi Secondary School in Sibasa outside Thohoyandou in Limpopo, is horrifying.
“We have now learnt with shock that Lufuno Mavhunga, who was filmed being bullied at school, reportedly committed suicide because she was bullied, beaten and mocked in front of fellow learners who could be heard laughing and clapping in the background.
“This is regrettable, and we are all mortified by these developments,” said Each One Teach One Foundation (EOTOF) communications head Thulani Malatsi.
The EOTOF sends its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
“Nothing will bring back Mavhunga, and we should as a country do better to protect the lives of children and create safe spaces for learning.
The arrest of the 15-year-old schoolgirl who allegedly assaulted Mavhunga should also be dealt with under the Child Justice Act, which places great emphasis on the assessment of children in conflict with the law soon after they are accused of committing an offence in ensuring their circumstances are taken into account.”
The EOTOF calls on the DoE to:
• Increase South African schools’ social work to anticipate violence and school bullying and intervene early enough to avoid the death of learners.
• Schools must be capacitated with conflict-resolution mechanisms to constantly help resolve school ground and class-related conflicts by learners.
• The Department of Basic Education, as part of its curriculum or school structure, should provide adequate infrastructure for learners to have support against bullying. Schools should have dedicated teachers who are trained as life coaches to identify such incidents and deal with them decisively.
