Noordwyk resident launches petition to tackle bullying of educators
Lebogang Shovhote is leading a growing petition demanding safer workplaces for South Africa’s teachers.
A Noordwyk resident is taking a stand against what she describes as a deeply entrenched culture of workplace bullying in South Africa’s schools.
Lebogang Shovhote, secretary of the Progressive Force of South Africa, has launched an urgent petition calling on Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education, to take decisive action against the alleged mistreatment of educators by management structures within schools.
The petition, launched on February 13, has already attracted close to 300 signatures and continues to gain momentum.
Shovhote, who has 12 years’ experience as an educator and union representative, said her decision to act stems from years of witnessing, what she believes is, a systemic pattern of abuse within educational institutions. According to Shovhote, workplace bullying in schools extends beyond isolated disagreements, manifesting in various forms, including verbal, emotional, psychological, and cyberbullying, as well as sexual harassment and discrimination.
Read more: President Park’s Royal Christian Academy promotes anti-bullying and anti-drug awareness
She alleges that some educators are undermined, threatened for speaking out, denied professional development opportunities, subjected to workplace sabotage, or deliberately provoked into situations that may lead to disciplinary action or dismissal. Other reported behaviours include gaslighting, mobbing, unequal treatment, and privacy breaches, such as unauthorised social media monitoring.
“These acts are often subtle and manipulative, making them exceedingly difficult to prove. In many cases, systems meant to protect staff end up empowering perpetrators, while silencing victims.”
Shovhote added that her recent enrolment to complete her LLB degree forms part of her long-term commitment to advocating for educators’ rights through stronger legal and policy frameworks.
The petition calls for formal recognition of the issue by authorities, a parliamentary discussion, and the introduction of legislative measures to ensure that schools uphold the constitutional right to dignity and fair labour practices.
Residents who wish to support the initiative can access the petition online: https://www.change.org/p/urgent-action-required-addressing-workplace-bullying-of-educators-in-south-africa For more, grab a copy of the Midrand Reporter.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
