Deputy Speaker, this week we heard the harrowing story of a young boy who allegedly had to resort to killing his bully with his mother's firearm. This is but a single incident that has caught our attention. Without a doubt there are many more children suffering in silence.
It is a crying shame that in South Africa today a child will have not only to bear the brunt of receiving an education that leaves a lot to be desired but also, in many instances, to contend with being bullied and harassed.
Abuse can only continue when it's hidden. Our communities need to break the silence that tacitly consents to violence in our homes, on our streets and in our schools.
The IFP today calls on the Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities to take the initiative and, with the help of other key departments, to initiate urgent interventions and programmes. Our youth need our support. Our children need our protection. Where government fails, people of goodwill need to step in. Indeed, where there is a need regarding abuse or violence, people of goodwill need to speak out and take action. Let us again take giant strides forward in protecting our children. Let us teach our children values, and respect each other's dignity so that we can end this scourge of bullying. I thank you.