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No to bullying signage.
The South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) has called on the Gauteng Education Department to investigate allegations of bullying at a boarding school in Vanderbijlpark.
The incident allegedly led to the suicide of a 16-year-old Grade 10 learner, Lerato Motjhadibane.
SANCO says the boy had informed his parents that three classmates frequently assaulted and sexually harassed him.
Motjhadibane died at his home in Sharpeville on Thursday after reportedly ingesting an intoxicating substance. Police are investigating.
The incident is said to have left the boy’s family shattered.
SANCO alleges that several learners at the school had previously complained about bullying by fellow pupils, but the school allegedly failed to take action.
The organisation is demanding that the school’s management, including the principal, step down.
Meanwhile, the Gauteng Department of Basic Education (GDE) says it is awaiting a report from the school.
In the discussion below, GDE Spokesperson Terrence Khala and CEO of the School Safety Advocacy Foundation Riah Phiyega unpack the bullying crisis in South African schools.
