Picture: Bullying at schools a concern/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
13 March 2026 – The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries has noted with sadness reports that a primary school child, Imibongo Ntamehlo, committed suicide as a result of bullying. The Committee said it sends its deepest and heartfelt condolences to Ntamehlo’s family and the learners and educators at the school.
The Chairperson of Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries Makhi Feni said it is not normal that a learner as young as Ntamehlo will commit this kind of act. Feni said they therefore called for a thorough investigation into this incident.
“Bullying is a challenge in our schools that educators should never be tired of fighting. Our children must find parental love and protection in schools. This is a sad story that will reflect on our system, and the better these kinds of incidents are attended to and resolved the better.
“On Thursday, reports indicated that a grade three student committed suicide due to bullying at school. The details are not readily available. The school and provincial and national departments of Basic Education must address bullying in schools to ensure incidents like this one never happen again,” he said.
Feni further said the reality is that schools lack social work and welfare services as well as learner security. He added that the committee will seek further information on this matter.
“The province must assist the family with all in its power,” said Feni.
The Guardian 