The MEC for Department of Basic Education in KwaZulu Natal has condemned the actions of a learner seen in a viral video circulating on social media where he is bullying his peer and slapping him. The incident happened at the Thabela High School in Bothas outside Durban KwaZulu-Natal this week.

UNACCEPTABLE 

The victim, wearing a white and green school jacket, is seen seated at a desk in the video while another learner continuously slaps him in the face. The victim doesn't retaliate but keeps blocking the slaps, which get worse when another learner joins. MEC Sipho Hlomuka said such behaviour is unacceptable and undermines the core values of respect, dignity and safety within schools. "As a department, incidents of bullying are extremely serious and swift action has been initiated to address the situation," Hlomuka said, adding that the department prioritise the well-being of all learners and are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and conducive learning environment. "We take incidents of bullying extremely seriously and swift action has been initiated to address the situation."

INVESTIGATIONS 

The department said they've dispatched a task team to the school to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and to offer psychological support to the affected learners. "We urge all learners, parents, educators and community members to work together in cultivating a culture of mutual respect and zero tolerance towards bullying in our schools." The department emphasised that bullying not only disrupts the learning process but also leaves a lasting negative impact on the emotional and psychological well-being of those involved. "In the light of this incident, the department will also be intensifying its anti-bullying awareness programmes in schools across the province to prevent such occurrences in the future. We call on all stakeholders to remain vigilant and report any form of bullying to school authorities immediately. Let us work together to ensure that our schools remain safe havens for education, free from intimidation and harm," said MEC Sipho Hlomuka.