School bullying | Teachers' roles in fostering understanding

JOHANNESBURG - It's been almost a month since Sibusiso Mbatha took his own life, allegedly due to bullying from one of his teachers at Khehlekile Primary School in Thokoza.

Mbatha had faced some discrimination over his sexual orientation from pupils, but his family believe it was the taunts from his teacher that pushed him over the edge. 

The Grade six pupil eventually hanged himself.

READ: Gauteng Education Dept probes bullying allegations in wake of child suicide

The Gauteng Education Department has recommended disciplinary action against the teacher, principal, deputy principal and HOD.

The department said the school flouted its own processes in how it handled the incident.

READ: Authorities investigate death of 14-year-old pupil

One of the big questions is, are teachers fully equipped to deal with bullying and sexual orientation issues at school?

Basil Manuel from teachers' union, Naptosa spoke with eNCA about this.