The Family and Child Support Association (FACSA) has called on the Western Cape Education Department to take action against both the Milnerton High School management and its School Governing Body (SGB) following a bullying incident that has sparked outrage.
In a statement, FACSA condemned the incident, describing it as a “disgraceful failure of duty”.
The incident is believed to have taken place on October 16, shortly after school hours.
The video, which has since circulated on social media, shows a 16-year-old learner being physically and verbally abused while other pupils stand by and watch.
“We are outraged by the shocking bullying incident at Milnerton High School (Cape Town). The learners involved must be immediately suspended pending further investigation – no excuses, no delays, no soft landings. Bullying is not a ‘lesson in discipline’; it is abuse, humiliation, and violence in uniform.”
“The fact that such conduct can occur under the watch of educators is unacceptable and deeply disturbing. We further demand that political principals and government leaders intervene without hesitation to ensure full accountability and meaningful consequences. This sort of behaviour disgusts us to no end. FACSA will not stand by while our schools become breeding grounds for cruelty and impunity.”
The incident was brought to public attention by United Democratic Movement (UDM) deputy president Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, who posted the footage on Facebook along with a statement from the victim’s mother.
According to IOL, police have confirmed that a criminal case has been opened.
“Milnerton police are investigating an assault to cause grievous bodily harm case involving a 16-year-old learner at a secondary school in Milnerton,” police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and no arrests have been made yet.”
Kwankwa revealed that the party has since engaged the Western Cape MEC for Social Development, Jaco Londt, who has agreed to assist in ensuring that psychosocial support services are provided to the affected learners and their families without delay.
The UDM further revealed that it has received confirmation from Western Cape Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Thembisile Pathekile, that a criminal investigation into the incident is underway following Kwankwa’s engagement with his office.
The party also notes the assurance from Western Cape MEC for Education, Mr David Manier, that disciplinary measures are being implemented after Kwankwa raised the matter with him.
Saturday Star