By STAFF REPORTER
10 February 2026- The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Joy Maimela has welcomed the decision to expel learners from Milnerton High School in the Western Cape, following a disciplinary process related to serious misconduct. Maimela said the committee supports decisive action on the part of schools and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) to uphold discipline, protect learners and staff and ensure that schools remain safe spaces for teaching and learning.
“While every learner has the right to education, this right must be exercised in a manner that respects the rights and safety of others. Serious misconduct cannot be tolerated, and appropriate disciplinary measures are necessary to maintain order and protect the school community.
“Video footage of the bullying, which has sparked national outrage, depicts the learner being physically and verbally attacked by a group of boys while others stand by – some of them cheering on the perpetrators,” she said.
Maimela further said the incident reportedly occurred on 16 October 2025, shortly after classes ended, and allegedly involved members of the school’s first-team rugby squad. She also urged schools across the country to strengthen discipline frameworks, codes of conduct and preventative programmes to address misconduct early and to promote a culture of respect and accountability among learners.
“We want to emphasise the importance of preventative programmes, including awareness campaigns, peer mediation, counselling services and values-based education initiatives, to address misconduct at an early stage.
“Fostering a culture of respect, accountability and responsible behaviour among learners is critical to creating safe and conducive learning environments that support teaching, learning and the holistic development of every child,” added Maimela.
She said the Portfolio Committee will continue to exercise oversight to monitor and ensure that disciplinary processes are fair, consistent and aligned with national policy, while prioritising the safety and well-being of all learners and educators.
The Guardian 