A mother of a grade 10 pupil, who was allegedly bullied by a fellow pupil at Sutherland High School in Centurion, is pinning her hopes on the justice system.

She has opened a case of intimidation and harassment against the alleged bully and his mother.

The mother says the school failed her daughter by not acting harshly after she reported the incident.

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has raised concern about the alleged bullying incident.

Thembi Montana says her daughter has been living in fear and enduring bullying at school for four years.

“Telling her to shut the f… up, telling her no one will want to go with her to the matric dance and say just look at yourself, who would want to go with you to your matric dance,” adds Montana.

Montana alleges that the school failed to act after her 16-year-old daughter reported the bullying incidents.

“It’s actually been taking place in the presence of educators to a point where one of the educators is actually perpetuating the bullying … it’s painful. It really is painful. You know, as a parent, you expect your child to go to school to learn to be in a safe, happy environment with her peers, and to learn [but] it is actually the opposite.”

In a statement last week, the school maintained that they do not tolerate bullying of any kind and that they are committed to ensuring a safe environment for every pupil.

The provincial education department has promised to also investigate the bullying allegations against the teacher.

Department spokesperson Steve Mabona says, “The department has launched an investigation into circumstances surrounding the handling of this complaint by the educator. Furthermore, the school will provide curriculum support to the affected learner following the incident.”

“The department will monitor the matter closely and ensure that all necessary support measures are followed thoroughly to address this matter effectively.”

Montana says she was left with no other choice but to also open a case of harassment and intimidation with the police.

“The perpetrator needs to be expelled. He’s been given chances and he has not corrected his behaviour. I am here for the transformative process of making sure that bullying is eradicated in that school, no matter how long it takes, no matter what it takes,” explains Montana.

The school is expected to hold a disciplinary hearing next week.

Police say no suspect has been arrested and investigations are still underway.