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Bullying cases spike in Gauteng and Western Cape schools, raising safety concerns
Classrooms are meant to be safe spaces. For many pupils across Gauteng and the Western Cape, that sense of safety is under strain as bullying reports continue to rise in 2025.
Presentations delivered to Parliament’s portfolio committee on basic education this week painted a concerning picture. Gauteng recorded 1 079 reported bullying incidents this year, while the Western Cape reported 149. The figures show that learner-on-learner aggression remains a serious issue in public schools, despite policies and prevention programmes already in place.
Gauteng passes the 1 000 mark
In Gauteng, the scale of the problem is stark. The province’s Department of Education confirmed 1 079 bullying cases across its districts in 2025.
Of these, 18 cases involving bullying or cyberbullying were referred for expulsion. Alongside this, 237 pupil assault cases were escalated. That brings the total number of serious misconduct referrals to 255.
Officials say the increasing number of reports reflects not only prevalence, but also the growing complexity of incidents. Bullying now ranges from physical intimidation to verbal harassment and online abuse. The department has acknowledged the strain this places on school leadership and staff, particularly in densely populated urban districts where schools are already stretched.
To respond, the Gauteng Department of Education is finalising a provincial Anti-Bullying Strategy. The plan is intended to guide prevention, intervention and accountability, with the goal of strengthening safe teaching and learning environments.
The department has also outlined a multi-layered approach. This includes whole school prevention measures, educator training, student empowerment initiatives, psycho social support and stronger collaboration with parents and communities. School governing bodies are being capacitated, and data monitoring is being tightened through reporting tools aligned with the National School Safety Framework.
Officials say tracking repeat incidents and identifying high-risk learners or locations will help refine policy and target resources more effectively.
Western Cape sees steady year-on-year rise
While the Western Cape’s numbers are lower, the increase is notable. Reported bullying incidents rose from 116 in 2024 to 149 in 2025, a 28 percent jump.
Metro South recorded the highest totals, increasing from 39 to 44 cases. Metro Central rose from 33 to 39, while Metro North nearly doubled from 13 to 24.
The Western Cape Education Department has introduced the Abuse No More policy, which provides guidelines for schools on handling all forms of abuse, including bullying. Schools must act in line with the Codes of Conduct under the South African Schools Act, and strict timelines are in place.
Reports must be acknowledged within 24 to 48 hours. Investigations should begin immediately and generally be completed within 10 school days. Where possible, interventions should be implemented within 20 school days.
Learners can report bullying through the Safe Schools Call Centre on 0800 45 46 47, as well as through principals and school-based support teams. Confidentiality is maintained as far as possible.
The department also incorporates bullying awareness into learning. The Grade 4 curriculum includes lessons on recognising different types of bullying and how to protect oneself. Teachers and pupils receive additional training aimed at prevention.
More reporting, or more incidents?
One question many parents are asking is whether the rise reflects more incidents or simply better reporting. Education departments argue that increased awareness and clearer reporting channels encourage learners to speak up. That, in itself, can lead to higher recorded numbers.
Yet the data across both provinces suggests that bullying remains a persistent challenge. Social media has added another layer, with cyberbullying often extending conflicts beyond the school gate and into homes.
In communities already grappling with inequality, overcrowded classrooms and social pressures, schools are often the first place where broader societal tensions surface. Educators are now expected to manage not only academic performance but also complex behavioural and emotional issues.
For parents/caregivers in Joburg, Cape Town and beyond, the message is clear. Reporting channels exist. Policies are tightening. But vigilance at home remains just as important. Conversations around online behaviour, empathy and accountability may be as crucial as any formal intervention.
As provincial departments refine their strategies, the hope is that rising figures will eventually be replaced by falling ones. Until then, bullying in South African schools remains a reality that cannot be ignored.
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Source: The Citizen
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