Educators may have a new ally in their fight against workplace bullying.

Noordwyk resident Lebogang Shovhote has launched an urgent petition urging Minister Siviwe Gwarube to address what she calls the widespread mistreatment of educators in schools. Within days of its launch, the petition attracted close to 400 signatures.

With more than a decade of experience in the classroom, and as a secretary of the Progressive Force of South Africa, Shovhote said she has repeatedly witnessed educators being denied professional development, threatened for speaking out, and even deliberately set up for disciplinary action.

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She describes the issue as a systemic problem that affects schools across South Africa. “I am writing to provide detailed insights regarding the pervasive issue of workplace bullying within educational institutions, a matter I have closely observed throughout my 12 years as an educator and union representative.”

According to Shovhote, workplace bullying in schools extends beyond isolated disagreements and manifests in various forms, including verbal, emotional, psychological, and cyberbullying, as well as sexual harassment and discrimination.

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.

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The petition calls for formal recognition of these 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.

“Significant systemic gaps, including inefficiencies, flawed policy designs, and inadequate monitoring and accountability mechanisms, perpetuate these issues. To address this effectively, I advocate for tabling this matter for parliamentary debate and discussion. Lawmakers must seriously consider drafting a white paper involving broad public consultations, extending beyond internal union or departmental staff.

“Furthermore, the minister of education should actively engage with ordinary teachers to truly hear their experiences and concerns. Teaching is a demanding profession requiring immense skill, and the current system is failing many dedicated educators.”

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, or contact Shovhote on 073 684 6663.

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