In a significant step towards creating safer learning environments, the South African National Commission for UNESCO's Education Sector Committee, in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Tshwane South Education District, recently hosted a roundtable discussion with learners on the issue of violence and bullying in schools. The event, held at Prosperitus Secondary School in Eesterus, follows a similar roundtable for teachers that took place earlier in the month. These discussions are a part of the lead-up to UNESCO’s International Antibullying Week, scheduled for November 10-14, 2025.

 

The roundtable brought together 24 learners from schools in Mamelodi and Eesterus, areas identified as having some of the highest rates of school violence and bullying in the Tshwane South District. The participants, representing diverse backgrounds and experiences, shared their perspectives on the dynamics of bullying and violence in educational settings. The goal was to better understand the challenges encountered by the learners and to identify potential solutions for individual schools and the broader education system.

 

Key issues raised by learners:

• Types of Violence and Bullying: Learners described experiencing physical, verbal, and emotional violence and bullying. They also highlighted the prevalence of cyberbullying, body shaming, and sexual harassment.
• The Influence of Gangs and Substance Abuse: Learners revealed that some peers join gangs for protection. They also noted the growing problem of substance abuse among students.
• Where and When Incidents Occur: A consistent theme was that these incidents happen both on and off school grounds. Bullying and violence occur in classrooms, toilets, and at school gates, as well as in community parks and streets when school disputes are carried outside of school grounds.
• The Role of Teachers: Learners were open about the role of teachers in these situations. Some violence happens in the presence of teachers and participants felt that educators sometimes contribute to bullying through the language they use. It was also noted that teachers and security personnel can become targets themselves when they attempt to intervene.

 

The DBE's Assistant Director for School Safety, Mr. Sammy Maraba, reiterated the department's "zero-tolerance approach to bullying". He assured the learners that their feedback would be used to improve strategies to come up with effective solutions.

 

In her closing remarks Mrs Palesa Tyobeka, Chairperson of NATCOM’s Education Sector Committee, emphasised how the discussions underscored the importance of listening to learners' voices to create a truly safe and supportive learning environment. She restated that the insights from both the learner and teacher roundtables will be used to strengthen policies and frameworks aimed at creating safer school environment in South Africa.

In a significant step towards creating safer learning environments, the South African National Commission for UNESCO's Education Sector Committee, in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Tshwane South Education District, recently hosted a roundtable discussion with learners on the issue of violence and bullying in schools. The event, held at Prosperitus Secondary School in Eesterus, follows a similar roundtable for teachers that took place earlier in the month. These discussions are a part of the lead-up to UNESCO’s International Antibullying Week, scheduled for November 10-14, 2025.

 

The roundtable brought together 24 learners from schools in Mamelodi and Eesterus, areas identified as having some of the highest rates of school violence and bullying in the Tshwane South District. The participants, representing diverse backgrounds and experiences, shared their perspectives on the dynamics of bullying and violence in educational settings. The goal was to better understand the challenges encountered by the learners and to identify potential solutions for individual schools and the broader education system.

 

Key issues raised by learners:

• Types of Violence and Bullying: Learners described experiencing physical, verbal, and emotional violence and bullying. They also highlighted the prevalence of cyberbullying, body shaming, and sexual harassment.
• The Influence of Gangs and Substance Abuse: Learners revealed that some peers join gangs for protection. They also noted the growing problem of substance abuse among students.
• Where and When Incidents Occur: A consistent theme was that these incidents happen both on and off school grounds. Bullying and violence occur in classrooms, toilets, and at school gates, as well as in community parks and streets when school disputes are carried outside of school grounds.
• The Role of Teachers: Learners were open about the role of teachers in these situations. Some violence happens in the presence of teachers and participants felt that educators sometimes contribute to bullying through the language they use. It was also noted that teachers and security personnel can become targets themselves when they attempt to intervene.

 

The DBE's Assistant Director for School Safety, Mr. Sammy Maraba, reiterated the department's "zero-tolerance approach to bullying". He assured the learners that their feedback would be used to improve strategies to come up with effective solutions.

 

In her closing remarks Mrs Palesa Tyobeka, Chairperson of NATCOM’s Education Sector Committee, emphasised how the discussions underscored the importance of listening to learners' voices to create a truly safe and supportive learning environment. She restated that the insights from both the learner and teacher roundtables will be used to strengthen policies and frameworks aimed at creating safer school environment in South Africa.