Mohloli learners ‘body shamed' and ‘name called' on WhatsApp channel

The Citizen

14-05-2025

SHARPEVILLE.- The management of Mohloli Maths, Science and ICT School of Specialisation in Sharpeville frantically dealt with a situation, that if left unattended, could have had serious implications for both the management of the school and learners recently.
Sedibeng Ster has learned that there was a disturbing WhatsApp channel that was formed during the Easter holidays where certain learners from the school were being shamed, humiliated and called names. It is well-known that learners who are 'name called' or 'body shamed' end up resorting to drastic actions, some end up taking their lives.
Here's a breakdown of the harm, according to research:
• Name calling: can alter a child's inner world, leading to feelings of worthlessness, depression, and a loss of control.
• Body shaming: can have a dramatic impact on self-esteem, and even lead to physiological and behavioural changes linked to poor health and weight gain.
• Both name calling and body shaming: can heighten insecurities, damage self-esteem, and lead to negative self-talk.
In essence, both name calling and body shaming (on both adults and children) are forms of verbal abuse that can have lasting negative effects on a person's well-being.
The school's management was made aware of the channel and called for calm while it investigated the source of the channel. In one of its communication to parents the school issued a statement that said:
'We want to assure you that the school is taking this matter very seriously. We kindly ask for your support in speaking to your children about the importance of respect, kindness, and responsible use of social media. Let us work together to create a safe and positive environment for all our learners.'
Late last week, the school issued another communication (to parents) where it said that the culprit has been found and is going to go through proper school discipline procedure/s and that the disciplinary committee is handling the matter.
The Gauteng Department of Education also responded on the matter and said that it strongly condemn any acts of misconduct which seek to undermine the dignity of our learning institutions.
'Schools are urged to enforce their codes of conduct to deal with disciplinary matters. The Department continues to appeal to parents in assisting to enforce discipline in and outside the school environment. The matter is currently being investigated and the outcomes with determine actions to be taken. Accordingly, the victims were identified from the said WhatsApp group and were referred to Psycho-Social unit for necessary support and the said WhatsApp group has since been deleted,' Gauteng Department of Education's spokesperson, Steve Mabona said.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, one of the parents at the school said:
'This is a great school with amazing results, therefore we cannot allow such actions to derail our children. We will let the process of the disciplinary action take place as the culprit/s have seemingly been found. As in every other case where the law is involved, we should let the law take its course.'
Sharpeville police spokesperson, Constable Busisiwe Sango, said that no cases have been opened with them, however, Cyberbullying is a criminal offence, and the/a perpetrator can be charged with crimen injuria, assault or criminal defamation.
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