"The consequences of bullying can be devastating to a point where others leave school or their performance drops significanrly.
" Some may even attempt to end their own lives as a result of humiliation emanating from bullying. That is why those who have been affected must get psychosocial support."
This is according to Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe, who was reacting to the news that one of the learners at Elukhanyisweni Secondary School, who was a victim of bullying that went viral on social media recently, has fully recovered from the ordeal.
The fifteen year old was beaten by an older learner in the school premises and the incident was captured by a cellphone while other learners where cheering on.
This incident was widely circulated on social media much to the dismay of the victim.
One of the community leaders brought this attention of the MEC who immediately arranged for all role players to visit the school two weeks ago.
The affected learner and her mother received psychosocial support.
The learner's mother has yesterday assured MEC Shongwe that her child has recovered and her life is gradually returning to normal.
The upbeat mother says the family and the learner are grateful for all the support provided to them so far.
"We are happy for the assistance the MEC and the whole team provided. The swiftness with which the Department responded to our situation, made my child realize that she is important and that has also
bolstered her self-esteem which was greatly affected by the incident," said the learner's mother.
MEC Shongwe lauded all the role players who were involved in assisting the learner. He emphasized that parents should speak out when their children are bullied. He also encouraged schools to always put school high on the agenda and when necessary seek help before things go our of hands.
Furthermore the MEC applauds SAPS for regularly patrolling the school saying their efforts will go a long way to eradicate bullying while also enhancing school safety.
Shongwe reiterated his call to the police to work around the clock to dismantle gangs and other crime syndicates whose activities affect some of the schools in the province.
He mentions that the implementation of School Safety Strategy and related activities are not publicity stunts, as some have insinuated, but are meant to ensure that schools become crime and drug free zones.
"We remain undeterred in our endevours to ensure that learning takes place in a safe environment. We will continue doing that without fear or favour as part of ensuring learning and teaching happens in a conducive environment," says Shongwe.
Ends.
Issued by Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison
Enquiries: Moeti Mmusi
Cell: 079 291 0664/ 084 411 3372
Or Kingdom Mabuza
Cell: 082 350 7677