3rd Degree | Bullying (Part 1)

Last November, Nkululeko Ndlovu, a student at Phineas Xulu Secondary School in the East Rand, was shot dead allegedly by fellow pupil Tsundzukani Mthombeni. The story made headlines, revealing that Tsundzukani had been bullied by Nkululeko and his friends.

In an attempt to stop his tormentors Tsundzukani allegedly stole his mother's pistol and used it at school resulting in the tragedy. He now faces charges of murder, theft and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
 
Shockingly, more than half of learners say they have been bullied and don't feel safe at school. In South Africa bullying is now the number one concern for learners and their families. Prior to the death of alleged bully Nkululeko Ndlovu, teachers only had a circular to help them deal with bullying. Now, the Department of Education says educators will be trained to prevent any more bloodshed.
 
But the rise of technology has made the situation even more difficult as cyberbullying is on a steady increase. Experts say we need to nip bullying in the bud to prevent bigger societal problems like gangsterism, and if we don't change a child's behaviour before 18, we have lost the battle.