Say no to bullying in Standerton

It was with excitement and a sense of purpose that learners from different schools embarked on an anti-bullying campaign on May 16.

They converged at Hoërskool George Hofmeyr at 08:30 and walked through town to the Standerton Show Grounds where a packed programme awaited them.

The crowd observed a moment of silence for everyone who lost their life through bullying. Detective Siphiwe Mtshali acted as programme director.

A prayer from Pastor James Hadebe followed the opening and welcoming. They thanked the respective sponsors and the traffic department for their role in the march.

Delani Louis Thabethe, executive mayor of the Lekwa Municipality, was in attendance and delivered the keynote address towards the end of the proceedings.

Standerton Police were also present. In his address, Leon Enslin, branch chairperson of Standerton AfriForum, spoke as a survivor of bullying, saying bullies are cowards.

Enslin encouraged the learners to seek assistance when having problems with such behaviour.

“Don’t be quiet; speak up and stand up,” he said.

Bullying is defined as harming, enforcing, abusing, or intimidating another person. Constable Thokozani Masiteng from SAPS explained the different bullying behaviours, namely physical, verbal or cyberbullying, and the consequences thereof.

Charles Msibi of the Community Policing Forum was a speaker as well, before a rehabilitated offender, Victor Mdhluli took the microphone.

As an introduction, Mdhluli referred to his mother who used to say; do unto others as you would like them to do to you.

He urged learners to think of the consequences of their actions and the effect it has on the vulnerable.
He advised the audience to respect one another.

The Department of Social Development was represented by Thandeka Thela. Learners danced from time to time to the beat of the invigorating music supplied by the DJs.

The big moment arrived for learners from George Hofmeyr, Standerton High School, Khunjuliwe Secondary School and Stanwest Combined School to take the microphone and give their viewpoint on bullying.

Applause followed their speeches, some very well-researched. The ChildLine SA, a 24-hour helpline, is available and one learner gave his take on the expression, sticks and stones may hurt my bones, but words will never hurt me, “But they do,” the learner said.

Psychiatric conditions such as depression also were mentioned, with anxiety expressed more than once.

The dignity and respect of another is enshrined in the Constitution of South Africa. Seipati Modise, MMC, the next speaker, said events such as these are needed.

The audience stood up when she introduced the mayor, who began his address by doing a few dancing steps.

He related a real-life experience of attending a funeral in 2007 where a child committed suicide.

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“I learned what bullying can do to young people. We need tools to fight bullying. Take control of your schools, classrooms and workplaces,” Thabethe said.

The mayor also said silence encourages bullies.

“Bullying is a terrible problem that affects not only individuals but entire communities.

“It is crucial that we unite as stakeholders to confront this issue head-on and cultivate a culture of respect and empathy.”

Thabethe thanked the organisers and concluded with the hope that programmes at this level will continue.

Several companies such as Goldi, Pick n Pay, McDonald’s, Greatlinking Management Services, AfriForum, Zimak, Vasco Da Gama Shop, Love Life, and Standerton Mills (Pty) Ltd contributed to the success of the day in addressing this pressing issue in school communities.

Representatives from participating organisations also expressed their support for anti-bullying initiatives and emphasised the importance of collective action in bolstering bullying.