Community Outrage After Bullying Video Surfaces at Milnerton High School
Community Outrage After Bullying Video Surfaces at Milnerton High School
Natalie Nyathi
Milnerton High School is facing serious community anger after a video showed a Grade 10 student being assaulted by classmates. This disturbing incident happened on October 16, 2025, and has led to protests, demands for accountability, and the suspension of eight students.
The video captures a 16-year-old pupil being attacked with a hosepipe, belt, and hockey stick. It quickly went viral, prompting parents, activists, and political representatives to gather outside the school to demand action from school leaders.
Principal Gert JP van Tonder announced that the eight students involved were placed on precautionary suspension after the public outcry. However, the victim’s family claims the school did not act quickly when the incident was first reported, raising concerns about negligence.
Jessica Dewhurst from Justice Desk Africa said, “If you abuse someone, you get expelled. The students need counselling, the parents need counselling, and we need stricter rules.” Buntu Gwija from the South African National Civics Organisation (SANCO) supported this, accusing the school of protecting the attackers and calling for immediate action.
Tensions rose yesterday ,during the protests, with police using stun grenades to disperse the crowd. Despite this, community members continued to demand justice and changes to ensure all students feel safe at school.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is monitoring the situation and working with the school to investigate. WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed that the department is taking the matter seriously and is offering counseling to those affected.
The incident has also drawn attention from national leaders. Joy Maimela, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, expressed her “utter horror and deep concern” over the video, stating that it “is not merely bullying but borders on assault – a criminal offence that demands urgent and decisive action from all relevant authorities.”
As the investigation continues, the community remains united in calling for accountability and action against bullying. The events at Milnerton High School highlight the urgent need for effective measures to create safe and supportive learning environments for all students.
