Soweto - A campaign to encourage South Africans, especially learners to pledge against bullying and sexual violence at schools was launched in Soweto on Saturday.
Known as the "Ubuntu Pledge", the campaign will encourage learners and teachers across the country to sign the pledge during countrywide visits. The campaign follows calls from organisations and individuals across the country who offered help to stand against such acts.
The pledge also commits individuals to uphold the constitutional values including human dignity, non-racism and non-sexism. It also commits to "foster an atmosphere of mutual respect both inside and outside of the classroom," reporting all wrongdoing and encourages pledgers to "embrace boldness, loyalty and honesty."
The campaign which is a partnership between Proudly South Africa, the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Women, Children and People With Disabilities, among others, in the wake of the Soweto girl who was ganged raped by a group of youth in April this year.
The incident, which was also recorded on a cell phone drew national condemnation.
Speaking at the launch, Proudly SA CEO, Leslie Sedibe said they were committed to the campaign and that the country must never experience the incident again.
"As South Africans we must never accept the abhorrent crimes as a way of life in our country. It goes against every gain of our humanity," he said, adding that people need to drive the message to the youth that abuse and violence was not acceptable and would not be tolerated.
Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Enver Surty said the launch taking place on Youth Day, says a lot about the future of the country. Youth must follow and take lessons from the 1976 generation who stood up for what they believed in and have pride.
As much as youth have rights, rights come with responsibility, said the deputy minister.
He called on the today's youth to uphold the principles of respect, honestly, integrity and mutual respect for others.
Other partners of the national campaign include The National Prosecuting Authority, the Film and Publication Board, Crime Line, POWA, Princess of Africa Foundation, SHOUT, Orlando Pirates Football Club, Zinto Activation Group and the International Federation of Christian Churches (IFCC).
Celebrities such as Yvonne Chaka Chaka, PJ Powers, Baby Jake Matlala, Miss SA Teen Celeste Khumalo, have also offered assistance and joined as partners in the national campaign. They will serve as role models for the youth and take part in school visits.
