Eastern Cape MEC
Mdantsane – Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade has vowed that the investigation into a shocking bullying incident, where a group of learners attacked an 18-year-old girl on a scholar transport bus, will be finished in no more than two weeks. The promise comes after a video of the assault went viral over the weekend, showing the victim being hit repeatedly while travelling home from school on Friday. Gade stressed the need for quick action to avoid dragging out the stress for everyone involved.
“Once you become relaxed from a procedural point of view, you might put everybody under stress. So that’s why I am saying this matter is not going to take beyond two weeks. It must conduct investigations now, conclude them,” said Gade during his visit to David Mama Senior Secondary School in Mdantsane on Monday.  He spoke to pupils, teachers, and community members at the school, urging calm while promising a fair and fast process. 
The five learners caught on camera assaulting the girl have been suspended from the school pending the outcome of the probe.  The footage, which spread quickly on social media, shows teenage boys hitting the 18-year-old on the head and humiliating her while others watched or cheered.  It has sparked outrage across the country, with many calling it a clear case of bullying and gender-based violence in schools.  The provincial Department of Education, working with the Department of Transport, has stepped in to handle the matter.  As part of this, the bus driver has also been suspended for failing to step in and stop the attack while it happened on the scholar transport vehicle. 
Community members marched to the school on Monday, demanding justice for the victim and stronger measures to curb bullying.  They voiced concerns about safety on school buses and in classrooms, saying such acts make parents worry every day.  The victim’s family has joined the calls, urging tough action against those responsible to send a clear message that bullying will not be tolerated.  “We want strong steps taken so no other child goes through this,” a family member said. 
Gade explained that the departments are following strict rules to ensure the probe is thorough but quick. This includes talking to witnesses, reviewing the video, and checking school records.  He noted that relaxing on procedures could cause more harm, which is why the two-week deadline is firm.  The MEC also plans to roll out anti-bullying programmes in schools across the province to prevent future incidents. 
Bullying in Eastern Cape schools has been a growing worry, with similar cases reported in recent months. Experts say it often stems from peer pressure or unresolved conflicts, but quick responses like this one can help rebuild trust.  Parents and teachers hope the outcome will lead to safer rides home and better support for victims.
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