Education Committee hails decision to expel Milnerton High School bullies
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has welcomed the Western Cape Department of Education’s (WCED) decision to expel a group of learners involved in a bullying scandal.
The decision to expel the group comes after a disciplinary process was conducted relating to serious misconduct.
Chairperson of the committee, Joy Maimela, said it supports the decisive action on the part of the school and the WCED to uphold discipline, protect learners and staff, and ensure that schools remain safe spaces for teaching and learning.
“While every learner has the right to education, this right must be exercised in a manner that respects the rights and safety of others. Serious misconduct cannot be tolerated, and appropriate disciplinary measures are necessary to maintain order and protect the school community,” Maimela said.
In October 2025, video footage of the group assaulting a fellow learner by physically and verbally attacking him spread rapidly.
The incident is alleged to have involved members of the school’s first-team rugby squad.
Maimela urged schools across the country to strengthen their discipline frameworks, codes of conduct, and preventative programmes to address misconduct early and to promote a culture of respect and accountability among learners.
She emphasised the importance of preventative programmes, including awareness campaigns, peer mediation, counselling services and values-based education initiatives, to address misconduct at an early stage.
Maimela said it was critical to foster a culture of respect, accountability, and responsible behaviour among learners to create a safe and conducive learning environment that supports teaching, learning, and the holistic development of every child.
“The Portfolio Committee will continue to exercise oversight to monitor and ensure that disciplinary processes are fair, consistent and aligned with national policy, while prioritising the safety and well-being of all learners and educators,” she added.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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