Further disturbing footage of alleged bullying at Milnerton High School has surfaced on social media, intensifying the already widespread outrage following a viral video that depicted severe aggression among a group of boys.

According to the Weekend Argus the new clips show one boy striking another learner, while another video allegedly captures a boy hitting a girl across the face, fuelling concerns about the unchecked bullying culture within the school environment.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed these videos were brought to their attention and have been forwarded to the school for investigation.

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond stated, “They have confirmed receipt and it will be included in their ongoing investigation.”

This follows the initial viral video, which emerged on Tuesday, showing a harrowing incident that occurred on 16 October 2025.

In the roughly two-minute clip, a group of boys, armed with belts, a wooden log, and hockey sticks, are seen assaulting younger learners during what has been described as an initiation ritual.

In the shocking footage, one learner is seen standing with his hands against the wall, facing away from the aggressors, who strike him with a wooden log.

Despite pleading for the assault to cease, the victim endures multiple lashes from a belt while indifference engulfs the other boys, who watch the ordeal unfold. Following the incident, eight learners have been suspended, and police have confirmed that a criminal case has been opened.

In response to the growing concerns, dozens of protesters, including members of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), rallied outside of Milnerton High School before the end of the school day, demanding accountability and swift action against the bullying incidents.

EFF Provincial Convener Sima Mtheli expressed support for the victim while underscoring a pattern of bullying that extends beyond this isolated incident.

“This is not an isolated case but part of an ongoing trend that the school has failed to address,” Mtheli stated. “The institution seems more focused on protecting its reputation than on safeguarding the well-being of its learners.”

Wendy Kaizer-Philander, the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Western Cape spokesperson on social development, echoed similar sentiments, asserting that the recent videos highlight deeper societal issues. “We cannot only be vocal when incidents of bullying go viral,” she said.

“Bullying stems from deep-seated social problems such as normalised violence and a lack of adequate psychosocial support.” Kaizer-Philander has proposed the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee on Child Protection to tackle these issues systematically, aiming to ensure schools serve as safe havens rather than environments of fear.

Criticism of the education department’s handling of school safety has also emerged from ANC’s Khalid Sayed, who described the governance of the department as poor.

“The lack of seriousness around governance is resulting in increased cases of bullying that remain unattended. Safe schools are not effectively engaged in ensuring safety, and it is disgraceful that incidents are not being reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS),” Sayed stated.

“We call on the department and the school to conclude their investigation immediately.”

This unfolding situation continues to resonate deeply within the community, highlighting the urgent need for action on bullying behaviours that threaten the safety and well-being of students.

With authorities now actively investigating, there arises hope that thorough measures will be established to protect the students of Milnerton High and foster an environment free from fear and violence.

IOL News 

Source link