An investigation is underway at Shumayela Secondary School in Umlazi, South Africa, following allegations that a pupil created a WhatsApp group dedicated to mocking and harassing fellow pupils. The group allegedly posted altered images of pupils and insulting messages written in isiZulu. School principal Mthokozisi Mabaso confirmed that he was aware of the WhatsApp group and had informed all parents about the situation.
According to Mabaso, the pupil who allegedly opened the group has been asked to bring his parents to school, while other pupils involved will be called in for interviews. The WhatsApp group has about 185 followers and has not yet been taken down. Mabaso expressed sadness over the issue and revealed that interventions were being made to assist the affected pupils. A Facebook page with his picture as the profile had also been created, allegedly by pupils, but has since been taken down.
Nonkululeko Ngcobo, acting director of communication and publications for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, stated that the department was not aware of the incident but has zero tolerance for any form of bullying. Ngcobo vowed that the department would attend to the matter and take disciplinary actions. Parents who spoke anonymously reported that their children were affected by the group, with one parent stating that her child came home in tears and refused to go to school.
The parents urged the school management and education department to take online harassment just as seriously as physical bullying. One parent called for the school to punish the culprits and ensure that they are arrested, even suggesting that their matric exam papers should be torn apart if they were involved in creating the social media group. Vee Gani, chairperson of the KZN Parents Association, noted that this is an ongoing issue in schools around the country.
Gani emphasized that cyberbullying is a serious issue that can lead to pupils committing suicide or being unable to cope at school. He highlighted that the behavior of pupils who created the group was wrong and called for the culprits to be investigated and prosecuted. Gani stressed that custodians of education must ensure that perpetrators of such criminal behavior are prosecuted.
Sithembile Memela, chairperson of the School Governing Body (SGB), confirmed that she was aware of the issue and that the SGB had identified the alleged culprit. Memela stated that they had instructed the pupil to return with a parent on Monday to discuss the issue. The SGB aims to get to the bottom of the issue and ensure that the perpetrator faces the consequences.
The incident highlights the growing concern of cyberbullying in South African schools. The school and education department's response to the incident will be crucial in addressing the issue and ensuring that pupils feel safe and supported. Key actions will likely include disciplinary measures against the perpetrators and support for the affected pupils.
Key points
- The WhatsApp group had about 185 followers and posted insulting messages and altered images of pupils.
- The school principal and education department have condemned the bullying and vowed to take disciplinary actions.
- The incident highlights the growing concern of cyberbullying in South African schools.
