As bullying continues to be a major issue affecting South African schools, with profound consequences for young learners, the Cyberculture Foundation is taking action to address this crisis.
The Anti-Bullying Awareness Roadshow aims to engage students, educators, and parents in meaningful conversations and workshops designed to combat physical, emotional, and online bullying.
This year, the roadshow took place from February 5 to 6, 2025, visiting three schools: Wendywood Primary, Northcliff High, and Meadowlands High School. Vuyiseka Klaas, Co-Founder of the Cyberculture Foundation, spoke to the Saturday Star about the impact of the initiative.
How has the response been from students, educators, and parents since the launch of the Anti-Bullying Roadshow?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Students have been remarkably candid in sharing their experiences, and it’s evident that many feel genuinely heard for the first time.
Educators have also highlighted the initiative’s value in equipping them to manage bullying incidents more effectively. Parents, too, have expressed their gratitude for the tools and resources we offer, as many grapple with these challenges at home. What truly stands out is the proactive commitment from schools to foster safer learning environments.
From this particular roadshow, what are some of the important themes that you hope young people in school take from it?
One of the biggest takeaways is that speaking up is powerful. Many learners feel like they have to deal with bullying alone, but we want them to know that there is always support available, whether from teachers, parents, or even their peers. We also emphasise digital responsibility, especially as cyberbullying is becoming a bigger issue. Young people need to understand that their online actions have real consequences. Finally, we want to encourage empathy and accountability because bullying doesn’t just affect the victim — it impacts the entire school and community.
What are some of the noticeable highlights that you have observed?
One of the standout moments was when a student courageously opened up about their experience with bullying. By the end of the session, they received an outpouring of support from classmates who were previously unaware of the struggles they faced. We’ve also seen learners actively engaging in discussions, asking questions, and even coming forward to report ongoing bullying incidents. Another highlight is seeing schools take immediate action; some have even started forming anti-bullying clubs to ensure that the message doesn’t end with the roadshow.
Having seen interventions in Polokwane, what other future plans does the foundation have in terms of raising awareness about bullying to ensure that marginalised areas are also informed about bullying?
We are deeply committed to reaching more communities, especially in underprivileged areas where support structures might not be as strong. Our goal is to expand the roadshow to more provinces, working closely with local schools, community leaders, and law enforcement. We’re also exploring digital platforms to provide resources online so that no matter where a learner is, they can access help and guidance. The fight against bullying isn’t just a one-time campaign; it’s a continuous effort, and we’re in it for the long haul.
What can people expect from the foundation after this roadshow?
This is just the beginning! The Cyberculture Foundation will continue working on more awareness initiatives, rolling out educational programs, and strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders. We are also looking into mentorship programs where students who have overcome bullying can support others facing similar challenges. Our biggest focus is on long-term impact, ensuring that schools don’t just react to bullying but actively work to prevent it.
The roadshow is supported by Vuma, a fibre network operator dedicated to supporting educational initiatives.
Saturday Star