MEC applauds support provided to a bullying victim
The learner’s mother has yesterday assured MEC Shongwe that her child has recovered, and her life is gradually returning to normal.
After an incident of bullying at Elukhanyisweni Secondary School went viral on social media, the Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe applauded the support the victim was given after the ordeal.
“The consequences of bullying can be devastating to a point where others leave school or their performance drops significantly. Some may even attempt to end their own lives as a result of humiliation emanating from bullying. That is why those who have been affected must get psychosocial support,” Shongwe reacted after the news surfaced.
It is believed that a 15-year-old was beaten by an older learner on the school premises, and the incident was captured on a cell phone while other learners were cheering the fight on.
This incident was widely circulated on social media, much to the dismay of the victim.
One of the community leaders brought this attention to the MEC, who immediately arranged for all role players to visit the school two weeks ago.
The affected learner and her mother received psychosocial support.
The learner’s mother has yesterday assured MEC Shongwe that her child has recovered, and her life is gradually returning to normal.
The mother says the family and the learner are grateful for all the support provided to them so far.
“We are happy for the assistance the MEC and the whole team provided. The swiftness with which the department responded to our situation, made my child realise that she is important and that has also bolstered her self-esteem that was greatly affected by the incident,” said the learner’s mother. MEC Shongwe commended all the role players who were involved in assisting the learner.
He emphasised that parents should speak out when their children are bullied and encouraged schools to always put school high on the agenda and when necessary seek help before things go out of hand.
Furthermore, the MEC highly praised SAPS for regularly patrolling the school.
Their efforts will go a long way to eradicate bullying while enhancing school safety.
Shongwe reiterated his call to the police to work around the clock to dismantle gangs and other crime syndicates whose activities impact some schools in the province.
He mentions that the implementation of the School Safety Strategy and related activities are not publicity stunts.
“We remain undeterred in our endeavours to ensure that learning takes place in a safe environment. We will continue doing that without fear or favour as part of ensuring learning and teaching that happens in a conducive environment,” Shongwe concluded.
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