Limpopo MEC of education speak on bullying within school premises
SEKHUKHUNE
By: Palesa Makanyane
Limpopo MEC Polly Boshielo on Newsroom Africa news channel on Roundtable of MEC’s of education reprimanded bullying in schools. Bullying among students was prevalent in Limpopo, with one student committing suicide as a result.
She stated that there are other options for dealing with bullying than involving the police.
“These are minors who are primarily affected by the environment. Some of them are acting out of distress as a result of their inability to attend school on a daily basis. However, in terms of bullying, Polly stated, “the department is working tirelessly to ensure that they get psychological help and cancelling.”
She went on to say that there are phone numbers that students can call if they encounter problems such as bullying.
The MEC also addressed the performance of schools in Limpopo, which had the lowest rating.
She emphasized that sheebens and taverns near schools are of particular concern.
“Tarvens and sheebens would disrupt school classes by playing music, and you know how teenagers react to such activities. Some of our kids do not return home on Fridays and end up abusing substances that are extremely dangerous to their health. We need to close them right away,” Polly said.
According to the MEC’s of education concerns about the extension of EAs and GSAs are still being discussed with the National treasury.