A parent from Milnerton High has escalated concerns over recent school protests, filing a formal complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against groups including the EFF Youth and ANC Youth.
The protests followed a viral video showing older learners bullying a younger boy, but the parent, referred to as Petitioner X for safety reasons, says the demonstrations went far beyond acceptable limits.
According to the complaint, protestors disrupted classes, intimidated learners and staff, and forced the postponement of Grade 10 entrance exams. Petitioner X claims the actions created unsafe conditions on campus and inflicted trauma on students, particularly matrics preparing for final exams. ‘The protests needlessly traumatized our community and interrupted the critical final months for our matrics, who have worked their entire school careers for this moment,’ the parent said, as quoted by Nova News.
The situation escalated online, with learners and their families being doxxed. Personal details and photos were circulated widely, resulting in a surge of violent and racist threats. One student was reportedly almost run over near his home, highlighting the severity of the cyberbullying. Petitioner X described the online environment as a reflection of a broader ‘bully culture’ within society, calling for accountability for hate speech, incitement to violence, and cyber harassment.
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While acknowledging the seriousness of the bullying, Petitioner X stresses the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of all children involved. The complaint urges the SAHRC to investigate potential violations of learners’ constitutional rights during the protests, provide advice on how to balance the right to protest with school safety, and recommend remedies for exam disruptions. Additionally, the parent calls for prosecution of those responsible for online harassment and a restorative justice approach aligned with the Child Justice Act, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration.
‘I am not defending bullies; I am defending human beings, young men of our community,’ Petitioner X said, underscoring the need for measured leadership in tackling school violence and bullying while ensuring community safety and healing.
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Picture: Milnerton High School / Google Maps
