Madam Deputy Speaker, the death of David Hlongwane, a learner from the Lethabong Secondary School in Soshanguve, is proof that bullying is on the rise in South Africa's schools and that it poses a real threat to the emotional stability and wellbeing of our children.
It is also clear that not enough is being done to combat this form of emotional and physical abuse in our schools. The IFP urges all principals and parents to embark on programmes that will empower their children on this topic, so that they can develop the necessary coping mechanisms and strategies to deal with bullying and other forms of behaviour that infringe on their rights and wellbeing.
Furthermore, the IFP urges school disciplinary committees to act decisively against bullies. Punitive steps must include suspension, counselling and rehabilitation.
Lastly, the IFP wishes to convey its heartfelt and deepest sympathies to the Hlongwane family. I thank you.