The teenager, Boitumelo Letebele, took her life on Monday night. Speaking whilst visiting the family of the late 16-year-old in Galeshewe at Kimberley, MEC Nontobeko Vilakazi sent her heartfelt condolences to the family before expressing her disappointment in occurring incidents of bullying. She said that sometimes bullies themselves are victims of bullying or they may just be frustrated and envious of the person that they are bullying.

“We are here today to say we cannot tolerate this bullying to continue in our society and in our schools, and the other thing that we want to convey to the community is to say there is a need to look into the bully himself or herself. What triggers him or her to do such things? Because obviously she also needs help, because a normal human being does not behave like this,” she added.

Vilakazi further said they will be assisting the family with the funeral of the late teenager, and they will also intervene by providing some social workers to talk to the person who allegedly bullied the deceased.

Meanwhile, accompanying Vilakazi, the Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Laison, Nomandla Bloem, urged councillors to mediate in cases where community members treat each other badly. She further committed her department to work closely with the community to root out bullying.

Childline South Africa reports bullying is very difficult for children, or anyone, to deal with. It makes you feel afraid and degraded and often it makes a person feel like they are worthless. Unfortunately, bullying also makes you stop wanting to go out because you are scared you might see the person bullying you. Many children who are bullied even start asking themselves if they can do anything right? What to do if you are being bullied, visit childlinesa.org.za for advice. 

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