KEY POINTS
- The Gauteng Department of Education is investigating a bullying incident at Sutherland High School after a mother’s viral video detailed her daughter’s traumatic experience with ridicule and isolation.
- MEC Matome Chiloane confirmed the deployment of psychosocial support and a disciplinary hearing, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to bullying in schools.
- The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the need for stronger anti-bullying measures and inclusive school environments in South Africa.
The Gauteng Department of Education has launched an investigation into an alleged bullying incident at Sutherland High School in Centurion, following the circulation of a viral video on social media.
The video features a mother detailing her daughter’s traumatic experience with bullying at the school, sparking widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
In the emotional video, the mother recounts how her daughter has been subjected to relentless mocking and ridicule by her peers due to her body shape. “My daughter has been humiliated and isolated by her classmates. She can’t even eat her lunch or buy food from the tuck shop without being ridiculed,” the mother revealed. She further explained that her daughter was ostracized in class, with classmates refusing to share a textbook with her. “It’s heartbreaking to see her go through this. She feels alone and unsupported,” she added.
The mother claimed she visited the school to address the issue but was left dissatisfied with the response. “I was told the matter would be investigated, but I haven’t seen any concrete action taken to protect my child,” she said. Her decision to share the story on social media has drawn significant attention, prompting the Gauteng Department of Education to intervene.
Mother’s Viral Video Sparks Outcry, Prompts Immediate Action
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane confirmed that a meeting was held on Thursday involving the victim’s parents, school management, and district officials. “The department has deployed its psychosocial support unit to offer counseling and emotional support to the affected learner and her parents. We are committed to ensuring that the psychological impact of this incident is addressed,” Chiloane stated. He added that a disciplinary hearing would be convened to investigate the allegations of bullying and the school’s handling of the complaint.
“The school will also provide curriculum support to the learner to ensure her academic progress is not hindered. The department will closely monitor the situation to ensure all necessary measures are implemented effectively,” Chiloane emphasized. He expressed deep concern over the prevalence of bullying in schools and reiterated the department’s zero-tolerance stance. “Bullying has no place in our schools. We urge learners to report such incidents immediately so that swift action can be taken. Schools must be safe spaces where every child feels protected and valued,” he said.
The incident has reignited discussions about the broader issue of bullying in South African schools. Education experts and advocacy groups have called for stricter anti-bullying policies and better training for educators to identify and address such behavior. “Bullying can have long-term effects on a child’s mental health and academic performance. It’s crucial that schools take proactive steps to create inclusive and supportive environments,” said one expert.
Meanwhile, the Sutherland High School community has expressed mixed reactions to the incident. While some parents have praised the mother for speaking out, others have called for a more nuanced approach to addressing the issue. “We need to teach our children empathy and kindness. Bullying is a societal problem, and we all have a role to play in ending it,” said a parent.
As the investigation unfolds, the Gauteng Department of Education has assured the public that it will take all necessary steps to ensure justice for the victim and prevent similar incidents in the future. The case has also highlighted the importance of parental involvement and community collaboration in tackling bullying.
