A video of a female learner from David Mama Senior Secondary School being violently attacked by fellow pupils has sparked widespread outrage, and led the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDOE) to launch an urgent investigation.
The video, which surfaced on social media on August 1, shows the girl being slapped, punched, and pushed while other learners laugh and record the incident.
What’s the name of the school?
Guys help please 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/1iKLjLxKgw— DENIA MOTORS (@DENIAMOTORS) August 1, 2025
The ECDOE condemned the violence and promised to send officials to the school on August 4, as well as to provide psychosocial support to the victim.
“The video is unacceptable and unimaginable.
“This unbecoming behavior is projecting a deep societal problem that needs every parent to take responsibility in raising his/her kids,” the department said.
— ECDOE (@ECDOEZA) August 2, 2025
“The department will make sure that the affected learner receives the needed psychosocial support,” ECDOE said, adding that it does not tolerate any form of bullying in all its schools.
The incident has garnered some significant backlash, as the clip has made its way across various social media platforms. Members of the community of Mdantsane have called on the education department to swiftly deal with the matter. They have put forth what they would like to see happen going forward, including the expulsion of some learners that were identified from the video.
@andilesiko_officialNo child should be bullied in this day n age.♬ original sound – Andile Siko
First published on African Insider
Words compiled by: Betha Madhomu
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