KNYSNA NEWS - The principal of Knysna Secondary School, Sydney Jantjies, urged its learners "to respect each other, care for each other" at an anti-bullying event held at the school on Monday 17 February.
Social workers
In attendance were approximately 1 450 learners from the school in Hornlee and its teachers, and social workers, representatives from the Department of Social Development, Child Welfare Knysna, the SAPS, Safe Schools and Correctional Services, among others, and members of the community.
'Terrible fight'
According to the parent of a learner at the school, plans for the event were set in motion after a video of a "terrible fight" between two of the school's learners went viral on social media, creating alarm and causing panic in the community.
The theme of the event was "Be a Friend Not a Bully", and insightful addresses were made to the attentive learners by a number of those there in an official capacity, on beneficial behaviour, the consequences of incorrect behaviour, and personal fulfilment.
Learners gather at the anti-bullying event
Impassioned address
Jantjies made an impassioned address to the visitors and to the learners, who had gathered in a quadrangle.
"I think we must take action against bullying," he said.
"All the roleplayers here today and the community members, I want to thank you, and emphasise the urgency of the situation to our learners - how important it is to respect each other, how important it is to care for each other.
'Speaking up'
"We spent two hours this morning showing the importance of speaking up (against bullying) - and making it possible for learners to speak up, so that they can feel safe wherever they are.
"We must make that a priority, and make all other schools in the country aware of this anti-bullying campaign.
'Trauma'
"We took two hours off to save a child's life, or to make a child that has experienced trauma, feel safe. This morning we made this message clear to everyone in South Africa."
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