Learner-to-learner bullying cases double in Gauteng schools

Mapaballo Borotho

Bullying incidents in Gauteng schools doubled to 21 cases in 2024.
The DA has criticised the provincial government for failing to address the issue effectively and warned that the real numbers may be higher.
The party is calling for stronger monitoring and a proactive plan to ensure safer school environments.

Incidents of learner-to-learner bullying in Gauteng doubled from 10 in 2023 to 21 in 2024.

This was revealed by Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane in a written reply to questions from the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.

According to the DA’s Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, Sergio Isa Dos Santos, Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s government is failing to curb the rising scourge of bullying in schools despite making strong public condemnations.

He said of all the reported cases, only two learners were expelled, eight were reinstated with conditions, and five withdrew, figures he believes may be only a small reflection of the wider problem.

Dos Santos also raised concerns that the department does not keep records of cases where educators allegedly bully learners, making it difficult to measure the full extent of abuse in schools.

He added that bullying is a systemic issue that harms learners’ confidence, damages the learning environment, and can have long-lasting psychological consequences.

The DA says it will continue to demand that the Gauteng Department of Education adopt a proactive and measurable strategy to ensure that schools are safe, supportive spaces for all learners.