The North West Department of Education has confirmed that a bullying incident involving learners from Tong Comprehensive Secondary School in Ganyesa village has been acted on after images and reports circulated on social media.
Incident, response and immediate sanctions
According to the department, the confrontation occurred at Elgiers Village, about 10 kilometres from Ganyesa, and involved learners who were allegedly engaged in a physical altercation. The matter was brought to the department’s attention after posts and images appeared on social media.
North West MEC for Education Dr Desbo Mohono said school management and the School Governing Body (SGB) notified the Circuit Manager as soon as the incident came to light. Parents of the learners involved were engaged and a coordinated response included the school, the SGB, the Circuit Manager, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the provincial Social Development department.
“Bullying has no place in our schools. Every learner has the right to learn in an environment that is safe, respectful and free from intimidation,” the department said.
As an immediate measure, the department said 12 learners were suspended for seven days pending the outcome of further investigations. A formal disciplinary hearing has been scheduled for 4 September 2026.
What the department and other agencies say they have done
- On 25 August 2026 an anti-bullying campaign was held at the school involving the school, SGB, Circuit Manager, SAPS and Social Development to sensitise learners about bullying, its consequences and the importance of reporting incidents.
- Parents of the affected learners were consulted at a meeting that, the department said, established that the bullying allegedly started at school and was linked to Facebook gossip and insulting letters written in class.
- The department advised the parent of the affected learner to open a case with SAPS; a case was opened under case number 76/8/2026.
- The affected learner will receive psychosocial support from the department’s wellness unit.
The department commended the rapid co‑ordination between the school, SAPS, Social Development, parents and other stakeholders in responding to the incident.
Context and consequences for learners and schools
The department’s account highlights two interconnected issues common in schools: the spread of conflict via social media and the role of in‑school behaviours — such as insulting notes — in precipitating violence. The department framed its response around immediate safety, disciplinary processes and psychosocial support for the learner who was harmed.
Disciplinary suspension pending hearings is intended to maintain safety while the school and department investigate. The scheduled hearing on 4 September will determine further measures against the suspended learners in line with school code of conduct and provincial policy.
Provision of psychosocial support through the wellness unit signals recognition that learners involved in these incidents — both victims and perpetrators — often need counselling and social interventions to address underlying issues and reduce the risk of recurrence.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Elgiers Village (c. 10 km from Ganyesa) |
| School | Tong Comprehensive Secondary School, Ganyesa |
| Immediate action | 12 learners suspended for seven days |
| Disciplinary hearing | 4 September 2026 |
| SAPS case number | 76/8/2026 |
For parents, teachers and school leaders, the department’s statement again underlines the need for clear reporting channels, active supervision of learner interactions, and education about responsible use of social media. The school’s immediate anti‑bullying session suggests a focus on prevention and awareness, while the engagement of SAPS and Social Development reflects a multi‑agency approach when safety is affected.
The department’s message concluded with a call for learners to report intimidation, harassment and violence before situations escalate. The scheduled disciplinary process and the psychosocial support plan will be central to how the school manages both accountability and recovery for those affected.
