Be a buddy, not a bully!

The scholars were led by singing and chanting.

June 26, 2021

Sinethemba Mahlangu 1 minute read

School children from various high schools in eMalahleni supporting the cyberbullying anti-march.

Recent cyberbullying has been an increasing crisis in the country and it has been affecting children.

Scholars affected by cyberbullying may show a lack of interest in their academics, their social life and might end up being suicidal.

A scholar from Hoërskool Generaal Hertzog, Pinkie Khumalo decided to establish Okuhle Kodwa Foundation that would focus on fighting cyberbullying that often happens among school children. This idea started after a close friend was bullied on social media and ended up being suicidal.

The foundation launched its first campaign that created awareness to children around eMalahleni on June 16.

Pinkie’s fellow schoolmates came in numbers to support the anti-cyberbullying march, and they were joined by scholars from Hoërskool Patriot, Greendale School, Curro Bankenveld, Witbank High School and St Thomas Aquinas School.

The theme for the march was ‘Be a Buddy, Not a Bully’! The scholars were led by singing and chanting from Highveld Mall to the traffic circle at Kohler Auto. The students were guarded by traffic officials and some motorists showed their support.

Bontle Moliki, a student from St Thomas Aquinas School said that she would like to see more of the anti-cyberbullying marches happening as this creates awareness and it also shows that they are standing with those who are affected.