Bullying and violent misconduct in South African schools have reached alarming levels, with recent viral videos and court cases revealing the depth of the crisis. Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube is calling on parents, school governing bodies, and communities to unite and take urgent, collective action to stop the growing wave of school-based violence.
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Viral Assault Spurs National Outcry
Public outrage erupted after a disturbing video circulated on social media in May 2025. The footage showed seven girls, aged 13 to 14, violently attacking another pupil at a Johannesburg school on 10 May. Police responded swiftly, opening a case of common assault. All seven suspects were arrested and appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on 21 May. They were later released into the custody of their parents.
Minister Gwarube, speaking to eNCA, expressed her outrage: “We cannot allow children to go to school only to be violated. How can parents trust that their children are safe in school when other children are violating them?”
School Governing Bodies Must Take the Lead
Gwarube urged school governing bodies to take a firm and consistent stand in enforcing codes of conduct. She stressed that discipline cannot rely solely on punishment but must include long-term, community-based support systems.
“These things are deeply rooted in our societies, and you are seeing this kind of violence playing itself out in our schools,” Gwarube said.
She also took a hard line on corporal punishment, which remains illegal but persists in some classrooms. “We have zero tolerance for teachers who still practise corporal punishment,” she warned. Educators who ignore this policy will face consequences.
Mental Health Support Is a Priority
Gwarube acknowledged the urgent need for stronger psychosocial support in schools. Each of South Africa’s 75 education districts currently has one assigned psychologist, but this is far from adequate.
“When we had that horrific sexual assault case in the Eastern Cape, we had to bring in a group of them,” she said, pointing to the department’s strategy of deploying extra psychologists during serious incidents. However, she made it clear that South Africa needs proactive, not reactive, mental health solutions in its education system.
Parents and Communities Must Step In
The minister stressed that schools cannot fight this battle alone. Parents, she said, play a critical role in shaping their children’s behaviour and values long before they enter the classroom.
“Discipline is not something that should be dealt with by just teachers. Schools don’t exist in a vacuum. They exist in communities,” she said.
She praised the Western Cape education department for holding meetings and workshops that engage parents directly. “That’s the kind of innovation we need,” she noted, urging other provinces to adopt similar strategies.
Understanding the Root of Aggression
Gwarube challenged South Africans to rethink how they view children who bully others. “We have to show up for children. They’re not born bullies. Many are children in distress,” she said.
Her call emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying causes of violent behaviour, which often stem from trauma, abuse, or neglect in the home or community. Gwarube believes that early intervention-rather than punishment alone-is key to changing behaviour and protecting vulnerable learners.
A United Effort to Create Safe Schools
School violence isn’t a new issue, but its growing intensity and media visibility demand a coordinated response. Minister Gwarube’s message is clear: protecting learners requires a united effort from all sectors of society.
By holding schools accountable, expanding access to psychological support, engaging parents, and addressing the deeper social issues behind bullying, South Africa can build safer, more inclusive learning environments.
“We need to show up for our children-at school, at home, and in our communities,” Gwarube concluded. “Only then can we truly address the roots of bullying.”
