Girl, 11, stands up against school bullies

AN 11-YEAR-OLD bullied girl has condemned bullying and called on children to speak up and seek help following an incident she experienced with friends at a shop in Dunoon.

Alakhe Dubase said she was with a friend, buying sherbet and sweets at a spaza shop, when she started playing with a toy from the packet of sherbet.

“It is a small white stick that makes smoke if you blow it, and we all love doing that. But on that day the other children saw me and said I was smoking. I didn’t bother because they could see it wasn’t a cigarette. I felt so humiliated, angry and let down. As I was sitting there, I said to myself, crying and hiding won’t help me. So I told my mom I wanted to prove my innocence. I needed my voice to be heard,” said Alakhe.

Her mom, Ntombi Dubase, said they lived in a close-knit environment and rumours spread fast.

“I heard in the street before those children even came to tell me. I was so disappointed and thought Alakhe was in denial. On Monday morning she refused to go to school, saying everyone would laugh at her. She told me it was either she publicly clears her name and proves her innocence or she stays indoors. I think she’s had enough, she’s been bullied a couple of times and I would have to intervene, even at school. I’m glad she’s gained the courage.”

Alakhe said she knew of others who were bullied but were afraid to talk. “I am speaking for them, too. They mustn’t be afraid.

“I realised bullies are jealous most of the time. That day I had money and they didn’t, hence they lied. At school I was a new student but smart, getting good marks, and that child would say stuff to me and even beat me.”

Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said 55 cases of bullying were reported in the first two school terms.

“We admire and encourage all pupils to stand up against bullying. It is important that school management is aware of the allegations so that they can address them as soon as possible.

“In cases where pupils are manifesting symptoms of depression and may even be at risk of a possible suicide attempt, schools should contact the psychologist or social worker allocated to their school.”