KEY POINTS
- A Nqabakazulu High School pupil in KwaMashu has been suspended after a video of her allegedly slapping and bullying another pupil went viral.
- The KwaZulu-Natal education department confirmed the suspension and announced a disciplinary hearing to address the incident.
- The case adds to 548 reported bullying incidents in South Africa since January 2025, raising concerns about school violence and the need for stricter measures.
A pupil from Nqabakazulu High School in KwaMashu, near Durban, has been suspended following the circulation of a disturbing video showing her allegedly slapping and bullying another pupil in a school toilet.
According to Sowetanlive, the 54-second video, which has gone viral on social media, depicts the victim drinking water while being interrogated by the alleged bully.
“They are saying you gossiped about us. They are saying you said it. Isn’t it so? Please explain where it all started,” the alleged bully is heard in the video saying before repeatedly slapping the victim on both sides of her face and nose.
Rising concerns over school violence and bullying
The incident has reignited concerns over the prevalence of bullying and violence in South African schools.
KwaZulu-Natal education department spokesperson Muzi Mhlangu confirmed that the department is aware of the incident and has taken swift action. “The pupil was suspended after the alleged incident last week, pending an internal hearing at the school on Thursday,” Mhlangu stated. Recommendations from the hearing will be forwarded to the head of the department for further action.
This case adds to the growing number of bullying incidents reported in South Africa. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube recently revealed that 548 cases of bullying have been reported since January 2025, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
The viral video has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for stricter measures to address school violence. This incident follows other recent cases, including the arrest of a 14-year-old Cape Town pupil for assaulting a schoolgirl, which was also captured on video.
As the school prepares for the disciplinary hearing, parents and educators are urging authorities to implement stronger anti-bullying policies and provide better support systems for victims.
