SEDIBENG. – Bullying is not a matter of school discipline but a systemic failure in our schools that erodes learning outcomes, damages learner confidence, and can have long-lasting psychological damage.

This was recently said by Sergio Isa Dos Santos, the DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education.

Dos Santos added that Gauteng learners are experiencing emotional harm and intimidation due to increasing incidents of learner-to-learner bullying, which has doubled from 10 in 2023 to 21 in 2024.

This information was revealed by the Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, in a written reply to the DA’s questions tabled in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL).

According to MEC Chiloane, of these 21 incidents reported, only two learners were expelled, eight reinstated with conditions, and five withdrew. These figures represent only formal reports, suggesting that the problem may be larger.

“It is evident that under incompetent Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s government, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is failing to curb the growing scourge of bullying in our schools, despite publicly condemning these acts.”

The DA in Gauteng demands that GDE adopt a proactive, measurable educational plan to make schools safe havens.

Sedibeng Ster recently reported the story of Lerato Mochadibane (16), an El Shaddai Secondary School learner who took his life after allegedly being body shamed and bullied by other learners at the school.

“What is also alarming is that the department keeps no record of cases where educators allegedly bully learners. The absence of proper monitoring and accountability makes it impossible to fully understand the scope of abuse within schools and hampers decisive action when complaints emerge.  Consequently, the GDE’s inability to arrest the scourge is deeply concerning. The DA will table follow-up questions to get the figures for the 2025 academic year,” Dos Santos said.