Bullying in South Africa

School bullying has become a critical problem in South Africa. The bullying statistics in South Africa are often overlooked by both the public and the schools. The public tends to take such incidents lightly and the schools ignore problem because they just don’t want to handle it.

Bullying Statistics in South Africa

A poll undertaken in 2014 surveyed over 2000 students. According to the results, an astounding 58% of South African students have been targeted by bullies.

Even though the statistics are very few and far between, it cannot be ignored that children in South Africa are being bullied at school and on social media.  It’s the job of parents and educators to help our children.

In the News

Suicide of 16 Year Old Student in Soshanguve

The teenager was hit multiple times by four other students between the ages if 18 and 20. The attack took place at Lethabong Secondary School, in Soshanguve, near Pretoria.

David “MoDav” Hlongwane became South Africa’s latest bullying victim when he killed himself because he did not want to go back to school and face the bullies again.

After David escaped the first attack, MZ Serwadi, the school principal gave David and the bullies’ notes to give to their parents.

The note said “You are urgently requested to come to the above-mentioned school on February 15 at 8am in connection with your child,” it reads. “Your immediate response would be much appreciated.”

Later, one of the students attacked David again, and once again, he managed to escape.

When he arrived at home, David did not tell his mother about the bullying.

The next day, his stepfather, Sam Mabuza, returned home to find David dead. He had hanged himself. .

When David’s parents searched their son’s clothes, they discovered the letter from the principal in David’s pocket.

David’s parents later met with the principal, the four bullying pupils and the parents of the bullies.

Mrs. Hlongwane said that the youngsters confessed to bullying her son. However, she says, “the principal insisted that only two of the pupils had participated in the attack and Instead of allowing the boys to speak for themselves, Serwadi spoke on their behalf.”

Bullied Girl Hangs Herself

In Cape Town, Charne Roberts, 17, hanged herself just a few days after her birthday, and was found by her stunned mother. In spite of efforts to save her, Charne was later declared dead at the hospital. Apparently, the teenager committed suicide, because she was being mercilessly bullied at Silverstream High School in Manenberg.

School Bullying

Studies to show the verity bullying statistics in South Africa do not usually take place. Perhaps because the country has weathered so much violence, there is not a clear line of demarcation in South Africa.

Cyberbullying

“Now, bullying is once more front and centre as the biggest problem facing our schools, even more people are identifying it as a problem now than a year ago,” spokeswoman Shirley Wakefield said.

“The bullying problem has been made worse by the proliferation of cell phones and mobile devices, which has led to growth in cyber-bullying. This is something that is less easy to identify, but potentially just as harmful.”

Gang Violence

Renewed gang violence has prompted officials in South Africa’s Western Cape Province to shut down 16 schools for several days. More than 40 people are reported to have been wounded or killed after being shot in area of Manenberg in recent weeks.

The decision to close the schools was made after teachers refused to report for work because they were in fear of their lives. Western Cape Province Education Ministry spokeswoman Bronagh Casey told the Associated Press.

A caretaker at one of the school died after being shot a number of weeks ago. At about the same moment, a bullet from the gang violence hit a primary school.

Provincial Premier Helen Zille has asked the government to send in troops from the army to help overburdened law enforcement officials.

The decision to close the schools was made after teachers refused to report for work because they were in fear of their lives. Western Cape Province Education Ministry spokeswoman Bronagh Casey told the Associated Press.

Family Bullying in South Africa

Bullying in the home can be physical violence, verbal abuse, or both.

A bully is someone who is imperious and dominating on a regular basis. He or she humiliates and intimidates others, especially if the target is smaller or weaker.

Parents who bully can, and do cause emotional and psychological harm to children.

Family risk factors for bullying:

• A lack of caring and connectivity on the part of a parent or parents.
• Domestic abuse
• Harsh, physical discipline.

Dealing with a parent bully can be difficult. It is a good idea to talk to an authority at school, or even with law enforcement.

Workplace Bullying in South Africa

There may be many reasons why a person becomes a workplace bullying target.

In general, workplace bullying targets are those individuals that don’t fit in. By possessing some specific characteristic or by showing a specific behavior, they unwittingly end up as the target of a bully.

The target may be:

• An excellent worker who suffers jealousy from a supervisor or a colleague.
• An employee who is at a marginal performance level who has only a tenuous hold on his job
• A whistle blower who threatens unethical policies
• An unpopular employee who incurs scorn and derision from supervisors and employees and is shunned and isolated
• A person who has unpopular opinions
• An unattractive individual

The bottom line is bullying targets in the workplace in South Africa possess some characteristic or exhibit some behavior that causes them to become the target of a bully.

Bullies are often indiscriminate in the selection of their targets. Just about anyone is a potential target. Some people are bullied because they have a different religion, culture, or sexual preference from the norm.

Gang Violence

Renewed gang violence has prompted officials in South Africa’s Western Cape Province to shut down 16 schools for several days. More than 40 people are reported to have been wounded or killed after being shot in area of Manenberg in recent weeks.

A caretaker at one of the school died after being shot a number of weeks ago. At about the same moment, a bullet from the gang violence hit a primary school.

Provincial Premier Helen Zille has asked the government to send in troops from the army to help overburdened law enforcement officials.

The decision to close the schools was made after teachers refused to report for work because they were in fear of their lives. Western Cape Province Education Ministry spokeswoman Bronagh Casey told the Associated Press.

School Bullying

School bullying has become a critical problem in South Africa. The bullying statistics in South Africa are often overlooked by both the public and the schools. The public tends to take such incidents lightly and the schools ignore problem because they just don’t want to handle it.

Bullying is never acceptable, and can be highly dangerous. Children who are being bullied should tell their parents or a teacher. Parents should talk to teachers and administrators. Friends, neighbors, relatives and the community as a whole must get behind the effort in South Africa, to stop incidents of bullying.

Source: https://nobullying.com/bullying-in-south-africa/