Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade visited David Mama High School following a viral video showing a female learner being bullied by classmates.
Five learners identified in the video have been suspended and face a formal disciplinary process. They will only return to school after a hearing, which they must attend with their parents, as outlined in their suspension letters.
MEC Gade stated that the victim will receive emotional and health support from government services. After visiting the school, the MEC also went to the learner’s home to assess the emotional and physical harm caused by the bullying.
The Department of Transport has suspended the school bus driver linked to the incident. A full investigation, expected to last 14 days, will look beyond this single event to uncover other possible issues.
The department reiterated its commitment to fighting school bullying, guided by the BELA Act and its partnership with SAPS. Random checks are already being done at high-risk schools to curb violence, drug use, and abuse.
A final report on the incident will be shared with all affected parties once the investigation is complete.
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