LAERSKOOL Theo Wassenaar, through its SGB chairperson Jack Chirwa, confirmed that there were learners who fought at school but it wasn’t bullying.
He said both him and the principal were not at the school when the incident happened.
“The parents of the learner who were involved in the fight called me over the weekend and I told them I need to establish the facts first before I can comment. Even the national newspaper called and I told the journalist to wait until Monday so that we can have an eyewitness account of the event,” explained Chirwa.
He said he was surprised when it was published (on the national newspaper’s website) that a 13-year-old child at a Johannesburg primary school was bullied and called “gay”, and his nine-year-old brother was kicked when he tried to protect him.
“These allegations are untrue. Yes, the learners fought after school and these things happen in any school. The older brother was on the property and there was an altercation with another learner. When asked to leave the premises and after being escorted off by staff members, the older brother and the father, within minutes, entered the school from the main entrance and caused a scene.
“The police were called to calm the situation. We heard that they (parents) opened a case with the police. As a school, we encouraged our staff and the learners who were in the confrontation to open a case of assault against the parent.
“This is one of the best schools in the South and we always had a good reputation. That is why we always encourage anyone who has a problem to first speak to the teacher of the learner, and if not resolved, to then escalate to the head of department, the deputy principal and then the principal,” he said.
Chirwa mentioned that the parent involved came to the deputy principal to apologise for his behaviour.
The COURIER contacted Gauteng Department of Education for comment on this issue. Spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department was informed about an allegation of bullying at Theo Wassenaar Primary School on November 17. Officials were dispatched to the school on November 19 to investigate the circumstances surrounding the said allegation.
“It is alleged that a learner was bullied and his brother was kicked when he tried to defend his 13-year-old brother. According to the information at our disposal, parents of affected learners were called to the school for necessary intervention. Despite contrary media reports, the matter was attended after it was reported to the school management.
“It must be noted that counselling has been offered to all affected parties and an urgent meeting of all affected parents is facilitated. Investigations are currently underway and will determine the action to be taken once concluded,” explained Mabona.
About two weeks ago, Springbok rugby player Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira was at the school talking about bullying. He told the learners that bullying is not okay and they must avoid it at all costs.
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