The MEC for Education in Limpopo, Ms Polly Boshielo, had a serious talk with the learners of Mbilwi Secondary School in Sibasa outside Thohoyandou on Thursday, 15 April, following the disturbing death of Lufuno Mavhunga, a Grade 10 learner at the school who committed suicide after she was bullied by fellow learners.
A video of the incident, where she was physically being attacked by another girl, went viral on social media and caused great concern that an old problem is seemingly resurfacing in schools. "We will not tolerate bullying in our schools in the province. It disrupts learning and teaching. If you see a learner bully another learner, it must be reported to the teachers immediately," Boshielo told learners.
"Don't talk to another learner in an abusive way, because he or she is a human being like you. He or she might be from a poor family. Always treat others with dignity. We understand that some learners are from rich families, but it doesn't make them superior to others," she said.
Boshielo was joined by MEC for Health Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli during her visit to the school. They also visited Lufono's bereaved family in Tshirenzheni village in Nzhelele to offer their sympathy and support.
Ramathuba encouraged learners to refrain from this kind of behaviour. She said that the government would fight bullying in schools and put an end to it, so that learners could concentrate on their education.
"Be careful when you talk to someone. Don't become a bully to yourself or to others," Ramathuba warned.
Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli, a senior traditional leader, said that Mbilwi Secondary School was known as one of the best schools in the province in terms of quality education and urged learners to stop bullying each other.
A close friend of the late Lufuno, Tshilidzi Nevhufumba, also a Grade 10 learner at the school, said that the death of her friend had disturbed her deeply and that she would miss her dearly. "School will not be the same without Lufuno. We will miss her sweet face," Tshilidzi said.