By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
22 April 2025– The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Joy Maimela said she has noted with deep sadness the death of a 13-year-old learner in the Free State, who allegedly took her own life after being bullied by a classmate. Maimela said it was immensely saddening that the young learner decided to take her life.
She further said, according to media reports, Mbali Mlaba, a grade 7 learner at Vulindlela Primary School in the Free State, was repeatedly bullied by a classmate, who accused her of cheating during a class test. Maimela added that, it is alleged in the media reports that Mbali’s mother found a note detailing the reasons behind Mhlaba’s decision to take her life.
“According to the reports, Mbali expressed fear of her classmate who had assaulted and bullied her in the previous term. Mbali had even requested to be transferred to another school in the reports.
“I am outraged by this incident, especially since South African schools should have an anti-bullying policy, and all learners should be made aware of this and the consequences for not adhering to it,” she said.
Maimela said policies should be enforced. She said if schools still operate without the Code of Conduct or any anti-bullying policy, such policy should be implemented urgently.
“We call on education authorities across the country to curb bullying in all its forms in schools and ensure that its perpetrators are dealt with harshly and removed from schools.
“It is flabbergasting to hear about acts of bullying in South Africa, particularly in schools, at a time when the country is celebrating 30 years of constitutional democracy and human rights,” said Maimela.
She said the committee called on law enforcement authorities to leave no stone unturned to get to the bottom of Mbali’s death. Maimela also urged parents and communities to take responsibility for the safety of learners at schools by educating children to respect each other.
“Let’s teach our children the culture of human rights and respect for each other and to refrain from all forms of violence as bullying is violence.
“The committee extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mlaba family, Mbali’s friends and the entire Vulindlela Primary School. May Mbali’s soul rest in eternal peace,” she said.
The Guardian 