Pupil receive suspension for bullying at Joburg school

Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi condemned the ‘ill discipline’ in the schooling environment.

On Friday, a female Grade 9 pupil has been suspended from Ferndale High School in Johannesburg, after she was involved in bullying a fellow student, the Gauteng department of education said.

Department spokesperson – Steve Mabona said a video clip was received, which went viral on social media, which displayed the pupil assaulting another female pupil outside the school building.

The video clip showed the pupil dragging the hair of the other while male pupils made efforts to stop her.

Mabona said the pupil has received a temporary suspension from the school, until the disciplinary process is done.

“We are also informed that the perpetrator has allegedly been tormenting fellow learners on several occasions, which is really concerning.”

Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi was unhappy with the “ill discipline” in the schooling environment.

“We do not underestimate such incidents, especially bullying, which is a serious concern to us. We will monitor this investigation closely.”

The department’s psychosocial team is expected to pay a visitation to the school on Monday.