Incidents of bullying properly handled, says Weston

A ZERO-TOLERANCE policy on bullying at Weston Agricultural College is being strictly enforced, resulting in expulsions, according to the school governing body (SGB).

Amid the recent publicity surrounding two boys who left the school after bullying incidents, SGB chairperson Douglas Fletcher said alleged bullying had been dealt with swiftly according to protocol.

Fletcher’s statement followed reports from two parents who recently removed their children from the college, complaining of bullying and that boys were being forced to masturbate on camera.

Fletcher said the two boys who complained about bullying had informed a teacher.

The teacher had immediately alerted the principal who, in turn, reported it to the police. Two senior pupils were subsequently expelled following a disciplinary hearing.

“Parents were involved throughout all proceedings,” said Fletcher.

He added that the safety and well-being of pupils were the top priority.

“At Weston we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding violence and bullying.”

He disputed the Kwazulu-natal Department of Education’s claim that a group of pupils had killed goats and destroyed a garden on the premises.

“The school governing body wants to make it clear that this incident did not take place at Weston. “We do not rear goats at Weston,” said Fletcher. After the allegations of bullying surfaced two weeks ago, some parents took to social media to express concern about the latest report, while others praised the way the school is run.

Among the concerned parties was a parent of a 16-year-old boy who was hospitalised with a broken collarbone after an alleged bullying incident last year.

Fletcher said the incident had taken place in May and had been investigated fully. He said the school could not reveal details about it as those involved were minors. But he did confirm that two boys were involved in a scuffle after one allegedly mocked the other for stuttering.

“One of the learners sustained an injury to his shoulder. The two learners involved also apologised to each other without being asked to do so,” said Fletcher.

He added that the school was well-respected and played an important role in shaping the future of pupils.

An old boy of the school, Rob Van Tooren, said he regularly attended old boys’ day and was glad to see that traditions and discipline were being upheld.

“My sons go to a government school for boys as well and I assure you that it is not just Weston that has issues.

“I am certainly not condoning bullying and inappropriate behaviour, but as long it is dealt with quickly and efficiently there is little more a parent can ask for,” he said.