The department’s spokesperson, Howard Ndaba, told OFM News that this launch by the department’s MEC Tate Makgoe follows reports of bullying, violence and alleged racism in Free State schools. He said after this raised the department's concern, there was an initiative to involve other stakeholders to assist in fighting these incidents that disturb conducive teaching and learning.

Ndaba explained that this launch in the Xhariep District is the last launch the department will have this year. He says they started the launch in March 2022 in the Lejweleputswa District, followed by the Motheo District, then in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District.

“The expectation is that the districts will then roll out this campaign to the circuits and schools. This is done to make sure that we work together as stakeholders, parents, learners, community-based organisations, and faith-based organisations – to say no to bullying, racism, anti-social behaviour of drugs and violence in our schools. We are working with the South African Police Services (SAPS), the Department of Health, the Department of Social Development, the Human Rights Commission (HRC), school governing bodies (SGBs) at school level, trade unions, and the principal council.”

OFM News previously reported that the Free State Education MEC, Tate Makgoe, will lead a new campaign against racism, sexism, bullying and other anti-social behaviour.

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OFM News/Mpho Mohapi