‘No excuses, no delays, no soft landings: FACSA demands immediate action after shocking Milnerton High bullying

Cape Town – The Federation of Civil Society Associations (FACSA) has condemned a disturbing incident at Milnerton High School in Cape Town, where a 16-year-old learner was violently assaulted by older pupils, calling for immediate suspensions and full accountability from the school.

A video that surfaced on social media last week shows the Grade 10 learner being pushed, slapped, and taunted by a group of older students while others record the assault. The footage, which has sparked widespread outrage among parents, education officials, and the public, prompted a police investigation.

FACSA described the incident as “abuse, humiliation, and violence in uniform” and demanded decisive action from authorities.

“We are outraged by the shocking bullying incident at Milnerton High School. The learners involved must be immediately suspended pending further investigation – no excuses, no delays, no soft landings,” the organisation said in a statement.

The federation also called on the school’s management and the School Governing Body (SGB) to be held accountable for what it termed “a disgraceful failure of duty.”

FACSA added: “Bullying is not a ‘lesson in discipline,’ it is abuse, humiliation, and violence in uniform. The fact that such conduct can occur under the watch of educators is unacceptable and deeply disturbing. This sort of behavior disgusts us to no end. FACSA will not stand by while our schools become breeding grounds for cruelty and impunity.”

FACSA STATEMENT ON MILNERTON HIGH SCHOOL INCIDENT:

We are outraged by the shocking bullying incident at Milnerton High School (Cape Town). The learners involved must be immediately suspended pending further investigation – no excuses, no delays, no soft landings.

FACSA calls on… pic.twitter.com/TovStjxdTM

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) October 21, 2025

The incident first gained attention after United Democratic Movement (UDM) deputy president Nqabayomzi Kwankwa shared the video on Facebook, along with a post highlighting the victim’s ordeal. The learner’s mother told Kwankwa that repeated complaints to the school about her son’s bullying had been ignored.

“My son, a Grade 10 student at Milnerton High School, has been subjected to bullying, physical assault, harassment, and emotional abuse by a group of boys, including some members of the school’s Rugby First Team,” she said.

“These 18-year-olds, who should embody strength, discipline, and leadership, have instead chosen to intimidate and harm others. I’m speaking out for my son, and for every student who has been silenced, dismissed, or ignored. To Milnerton High School in Cape Town: it is your duty to protect your students.”

The video has ignited a storm on social media, with many expressing shock and anger.

News24 journalist Velani Ludidi reported, “They are in hospital right now. They injured the boy. I’m meeting with the parents after nine at their home.”

Gospel artist Betusile Mcinga also shared his sadness on social media, writing: “Uxolo bhuti, fight for your son’s rights and freedom. This is sad to be happening in our time.”

FACSA has urged the Western Cape Education Department and political leaders to intervene without delay to ensure “full accountability and meaningful consequences” for all responsible parties.

The Western Cape Education Department has yet to respond to FACSA’s statement or indicate what measures are being taken in response to the incident.