A Johannesburg mother has accused the prestigious St Stithians College of failing to protect her seven-year-old daughter from persistent bullying, which she claims has caused her child physical harm and emotional distress.
The mother, identified only as *Thandi* to protect her family’s privacy, said that the bullying escalated over several months, culminating in a disturbing incident where pencil shavings were allegedly forced into her daughter’s ears by a classmate. The child reportedly developed an ear infection and temporary hearing loss as a result.
According to Thandi, a medical report confirmed the physical injury, which she presented to the school. “The doctor confirmed that pencil shavings had been inserted into her ear and gave us a written report which the school has on record,” she explained.
Thandi said the bullying initially began with what seemed like minor teasing but soon turned physical. One of the incidents allegedly occurred during ballet class when another pupil reportedly pushed her daughter. “She came home and told me she had been assaulted by one of the kids from school,” the mother said.
Despite evidence — including video footage of one incident — Thandi claims that the school’s response has been cold and legalistic rather than compassionate. “Instead of empathy, we received legally charged letters. The children accused of bullying are still in the same class as my daughter,” she said.
The distraught mother expressed that she had hoped for a collaborative solution with the school, not hostility. “We wanted to find a way to remedy this so it never happens to another child,” she said.
Thandi praised her daughter’s academic progress at St Stithians, particularly in mathematics and reading, but said the school’s handling of the bullying overshadowed its educational achievements. “We commended the school for her academic growth, but we made it clear that these incidents are unacceptable,” she added.
When the family confronted the school about the pencil shaving incident, Thandi said officials promised to contact the alleged bully’s parents. However, she later received correspondence stating that both the child and his father denied the allegations.
Adding to her frustration, another parent later admitted that her own daughter had mentioned the bullying at home but that she hadn’t reported it. “One of the parents apologised, saying she should have spoken up sooner because her daughter had told her that my child was being bullied,” Thandi revealed.
Both the Department of Basic Education and the South African Police Service (SAPS) have since become involved, offering support to the family.
St Stithians College released a statement asserting its “robust anti-bullying policy” and commitment to student safety but declined media interviews, citing an ongoing internal investigation.
Thandi, however, remains unsatisfied. “The school’s written response lacked emotional sensitivity, care, or guidance — nothing that reflects the values they claim to uphold,” she said.
The incident has sparked broader debate about bullying within elite private schools and the extent to which such institutions are held accountable for student welfare. Many are now watching closely to see what action St Stithians and the Department of Basic Education will take in response to the allegations.
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