Ogies Combined School took some initiative to educate pupils about the dangers of bullying. Two weeks ago the country was shaken by the story of Mbilwi Secondary School learner Lufuno Mavhunga who was brutally bullied at school, therefore Ogies Combined School saw an important need to educate its learners about the danger of bullying and the way to prevent it.
“After the Lufuno’s saga I saw that it is vital for me as the principal of the school to educate my learners about bullying, because it seems to be another pandemic in our country,” said Mr HV Masuku.
The National Human Rights Commissioner, Mr Jonas Ben Sibanyoni was invited to the meeting on Tuesday, April 20.
“Children’s safety is a priority at school, therefore I have engaged with some other teachers, and we agreed that today we will host this workshop in order for us to educate our children about the damage that could be caused by bullying. I’m not saying this as a principal, but I say this as a parent. I find it very important that we educate our children, that’s why today I have invited Mr Sibanyoni to educate our children and us as parents because it proves that we also lack some skills, and we keep on avoiding that, therefore today he will teach us about the dangers of bullying,” said Masuku.
Mr Sibanyoni told parents that one of the common things which lead to bullying is the way children are treated at home therefore parents first need to learn how to talk with their children. They need to be humble at all times, and they also need to notice little things which might affect their children, because sometimes children don’t talk, but they choose to die inside or take that hatred or anger to somebody else. During his speech, he said as the Human Right Commission they want to investigate all the bullying that is happening in the schools. He then quoted section 29 of chapter 2 from the 1996 Constitution book of South Africa which speaks about the people’s rights to be educated and no one is allowed to abuse or violate other people’s rights.
“My concern as the National Human Rights Commissioner is that people do not see the danger of violating other people’s right, and it proves that people are not reading the 1996 South African constitution book, they don’t know about the penalties that they might face if they abuse other people’s rights. I would like to advise learners and parents to report any type of abuse that you see, especially you, parents I urge you to learn to talk to your children at all times and if you encounter any related abuse challenges, report it to the Human Rights Commission,” Mr Sibanyoni concluded.
*Acts of bullying can be reported to the Human Rights Commission at 011 877 3750.
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