LEBO MJANGAZE
In an effort to combat the rising challenges of violence and bullying in schools, local organisation Bumb’ingomso hosted a powerful awareness campaign at Parkside Primary School last week which brought together a range of stakeholders to address pressing issues affecting young pupils.
The initiative, timed to coincide with the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, included representatives from Ikhwelolethu (Bumb’ingomso), Behaviour Change & Communications, the Buffalo Flats police station, Sanca, and Buffalo City metro community leaders united to shed light on the far-reaching impacts of violence, bullying, and substance abuse on children.
Parkside Primary School was chosen due to its struggles with pervasive forms of violence, including physical altercations, verbal abuse and bullying. Speaking at the event, Sinovuyo Thobi, a social worker for gender-based violence prevention at Bumb’ingomso, highlighted the urgent need for such interventions.
“Our goal is to raise awareness about the effects of exposing children to violence and drugs,” Thobi said. “Parkside is one of the schools in BCM that faces high levels of school violence, often perpetuated by substance abuse. This campaign aims to address these issues head-on while fostering behavioural change among pupils, teachers and the broader community.”
Melissa Davids, a registered counsellor who has worked extensively with Parkside pupils, said the violence children are subjected to have devastating effects on their development.
Smith explains: “Children who witness or experience violence often feel unsafe, leading to chronic anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and emotional distress. Some internalise their experiences, replicating violent behaviours, while others withdraw, struggling with feelings of worthlessness.”
Smith emphasised the role of parents in creating a safe and nurturing environment.
“Parents can make a significant difference by fostering open communication, limiting children’s exposure to violent media and teaching non-violent conflict resolution. These steps not only shield children from harm but also equip them with the tools to navigate life’s challenges healthily and positively.”
According to research done in Buffalo City, many pupils abuse substances because they are freely available, with some introduced to substances at school by their peers.
Pupils from grades 9-11 have admitted to abusing nicotine, alcohol and marijuana.
Researchers such as Emmanuel Manu & Xavela T Maluleke say there is a need for preventative campaigns and programmes
Bullying amongst pupils has proven to be a leading cause in a pupil’s decision to drop out of school, as highlighted by 1000 Women Trust co-founder Tina Thiart.
In SA, nearly 46.3% of pupils aged 19 drop out of school, often citing issues such as bullying, financial difficulties and poor academic performance. Bullying’s impact is profound, contributing to pupils feeling unsafe and overwhelmed, pushing one in 10 pupils to leave school to avoid harassment. This not only disrupts their academic journey but also limits their future opportunities, reinforcing cycles of poverty and social instability. Thiart said addressing bullying was vital to reducing dropout rates and fostering a supportive educational environment.
The prevalence of bullying in Eastern Cape schools further compounds this issue, with studies showing that 64% of grade 9 pupils are bullied.
Thiart’s research highlights the emotional and academic toll bullying takes, often leading to isolation, poor academic performance, and diminished self-esteem. She stresses the importance of proactive measures, such as implementing anti-bullying policies, fostering a culture of open communication, and equipping schools with resources to address this pervasive problem. These interventions are critical to creating safe, inclusive spaces where pupils can thrive without fear of violence or intimidation.
Bumb’ingomso’s campaign is part of a larger effort to bring hope and change to communities affected by violence and substance abuse. By involving pupils, teachers and community leaders, the organisation aims to create safer spaces where children can thrive.
As Thobi said: “When we work together to address these challenges, we not only transform individual lives but build a stronger community.”
This campaign serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to protect and nurture the next generation. For Parkside Primary and beyond, it marks a step toward a brighter, safer future.
