By THABO MOTLHABI
BULLYING has no place in our schools – and learners from across Rand West City Local Municipality are making sure their voices are heard.
Instead of fighting with fists, a group of high school learners took to the debating stage to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing young people today: bullying.
The learners gathered at the Gauteng Provincial Archives Centre in Kagiso 2 on Friday, 14 August, for a debate aimed at raising awareness about bullying and encouraging young people to speak out.
The event was organised by Sabelo Duma of the Rand West City Local Municipality’s Public Safety and Crime Prevention Unit.
Schools that took part included Thuto Lehakew Secondary School, AB Phokompe Secondary School, Pahama Secondary School, Lukhanyo Secondary School, January Viljoen Secondary School, Westonaria Secondary School, TM Letlhake Secondary School, Wedela Secondary School, Kgotalang Secondary School and Glenhavie Secondary School.
The event brought together learners, educators, government departments and community stakeholders, all united by one message: silence is not the answer to bullying.
The programme also highlighted the growing problem of cyberbullying, with learners discussing how social media can be used to intimidate, humiliate and torment victims.
Learners were encouraged to speak up, report bullying and seek help rather than suffer in silence.
Duma urged learners to break their silence and stand up against bullying.
“Being bullied is not good because it can lead to serious consequences. Speaking up breaks the silence and creates a future for our learners. I wish we could have more competitions like these because our learners really enjoyed the bullying debate,” said Duma.
The debate was not only about bullying. It was also designed to sharpen learners’ critical-thinking, public-speaking, teamwork and leadership skills.
It gave young people an opportunity to express themselves openly while learning about non-violent ways of resolving conflict.
Violence in schools was also placed under the spotlight, including concerns about learners carrying dangerous objects to threaten or harm others.
Participants discussed the importance of schools, authorities, parents and community organisations working together to create safer learning environments.
Lefentse Kubayi from the Gauteng Department of Social Development stressed the importance of collaboration and education in empowering young people.
“Debating encourages learners to articulate their thoughts and express themselves openly without fear or judgement. It allows them to speak up for themselves, even when their stance is being challenged,” said Kubayi.
She said debating could also help learners build confidence and develop a positive self-image.
“It cultivates a positive self-image, allowing them to stand up against anything that can destroy their confidence, such as bullying. Debate also teaches them resilience – to continue speaking up even when they are losing the argument,” she said.
The success of the event was made possible through the support of various stakeholders, including Gold Fields, Rand West City Local Municipality’s Public Safety and Crime Prevention Unit, the Rand West City Libraries team, SAPS Bekkersdal, Mogale City Youth Parliament and the Office of the Premier of Gauteng.
For the young debaters, the day was about more than trophies and medals. It was about finding their voices and using them to challenge a problem that affects many learners. At the end of the competition, participating learners walked away with trophies, schoolbags, medals and other prizes – but perhaps the biggest prize was the confidence to speak up, stand together and say no to bullying.
