As part of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s ongoing School Readiness Programme, the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Vuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela, visited two schools in the West Rand Region, Thuto Lehakwe Secondary School in Mohlakeng and TM Lehlake Senior Secondary School in Westonaria.
The visits formed part of efforts to offer support to schools and to assess their state of readiness for the new academic year, while also engaging directly with learners on issues that affect their well-being and academic success.
At Thuto Lehakwe Secondary School, the Deputy Speaker was warmly welcomed by the school community. Upon her arrival, she was briefed on an alleged bullying incident that had occurred at the school the previous day. Taking advantage of the opportunity to address learners during assembly, the Deputy Speaker spoke candidly and compassionately about the serious impact of bullying among learners.
To convey her message in a way that resonated with learners, the Deputy Speaker shared a powerful story about a boy named Sibusiso. She described Sibusiso as an older learner who took pleasure in bullying others, instilling fear among his peers. As a result of his behaviour, some learners felt so intimidated that they would miss school, while others were driven to emotional distress and, in extreme cases, thoughts of self-harm. While Sibusiso focused his energy on bullying, substance abuse, and disrespecting educators, his academic performance suffered.
The Deputy Speaker then fast-forwarded the story ten years into the future. The learners who had once been bullied by Sibusiso persevered, completed matric, furthered their studies, graduated, and went on to become young professionals who made their families and communities proud. Sibusiso, on the other hand, failed matric, abandoned his education, and remained unemployed, still living at his parents’ home. Whenever the former learners returned to their community, he would be the first to ask them for money or offer to wash their cars, addressing them respectfully as “Grootman” or “Sister.”
Through this story, the Deputy Speaker demonstrated that bullying does not lead to success or fulfillment in life. She encouraged learners to choose kindness, to support one another, and to focus on their education as the foundation for a brighter future. Her message emphasized that discipline, hard work, and mutual respect are essential values for personal growth and for building a caring school environment.
The Deputy Speaker joined Member of Parliament Honourable Inathi Mbiyo, shared the same message at TM Lehlake Senior Secondary School in Westonaria, where learners received it with equal appreciation. At both schools, she further demonstrated her commitment to learner support by handing over dignity packs to identified learners, reinforcing the importance of dignity, care, and equal opportunity in education.
The visits were well received by school management, educators and learners alike and reflected the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s continued dedication to promoting safe, supportive and enabling learning environments. Through her engagements, Honourable Mhlakaza-Manamela reaffirmed the Legislature’s commitment to nurturing not only academic readiness, but also the values that shape responsible, compassionate and successful citizens.
