Cape Town - An 11-year-old bullied girl has condemned bullying and called on children to speak up and seek help following her incident with friends at a shop in Dunoon.
Alakhe Dubase said she was with one friend, buying sherbet and sweets at a spaza shop when she started playing with a toy from the packet of sherbet.
“It is a small white stick that makes smoke if you blow it, and we all love doing that. But on that day the other children saw me and said I was smoking. I didn’t bother because they could see it wasn’t a cigarette. I felt so humiliated, angry and let down. As I was sitting there, I said to myself, crying and hiding won’t help me. It never made a difference when I was bullied at school, instead I continued being a victim, so I told my mom I want to prove my innocence. I needed my voice to be heard. I also told her to call the police to come and arrest these children, they are bad and will hurt many others,” said Alakhe.
Her mom, Ntombi Dubase, said they live in a close-knit environment and rumours spread fast.
“I heard in the street before those children even came to tell me. I was so disappointed and thought Alakhe was in denial. On Monday morning she refused to go to school, saying everyone would laugh at her. She told me it was either she publicly clears her name and prove her innocence or she stays indoors. I think she’s had enough, she’s been bullied a couple of times and I would have to intervene, even at school. I am glad she’s gained the courage.”
Alakhe said she knew others who were bullied but afraid to talk. “I am speaking for them, too. They mustn’t be afraid.
“I realised bullies are jealous most of the time. That day I had money and they didn’t, hence they lied. At school I was a new student but smart, getting good marks, and that child would say stuff to me and even beat me.”
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said 55 cases of bullying have been reported within the first two school terms.
“We admire and encourage all pupils to stand up against bullying. It is important that the school management is aware of the allegations so that they can address it as soon as possible. In cases where pupils are manifesting symptoms of depression and may even be at risk of a possible suicide attempt, schools should contact the psychologist or social worker allocated to their school.”