Congolese refugee children attending schools in Maitland and Parow are enduring a harsh reality marked by relentless bullying and systemic neglect. This troubling situation has been unveiled by a recent study conducted by University of the Western Cape Master’s student Adelina Nakatya Ntagerwa, who delved into the experiences of these vulnerable youths amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and rising tensions surrounding their refugee status.
Through interviews with 20 parents of adolescent refugees from the war-torn Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ntagerwa’s research unearths harrowing accounts of verbal abuse, physical violence, and stark discrimination rooted deeply in xenophobia and cultural differences. These families, having fled decades of conflict in Kivu, are now grappling with a new battle in South African classrooms—one that leaves their children feeling alienated and targeted.
“The bullying isn’t just about words; it escalates into physical violence,” Ntagerwa stated, reflecting on the deeply troubling findings of her study. Children reported being called derogatory names such as “makwerekwere” and “black boy,” terms that starkly highlight the racial undertones of their experiences.
One mother, Sakina, recounted her son’s ordeal, detailing how he was ostracised and physically assaulted by classmates who mocked his accent and nationality: “They push him, swear at him, and tell him he doesn’t belong here,” she lamented.
Yet amidst stories of resilience and support, Ntagerwa’s findings reveal a grim reality. Bullying often culminates in severe consequences. Rodrigue, a parent, recounted how his daughter faced ridicule over her heritage, while Imani’s son suffered violence simply for excelling academically, being told to “go back to Congo.” Tragically, a severe case of bullying led to the suicide of a child overwhelmed by the incessant mockery over his old clothing. His grieving mother, Mateso, discovered too late a heartbreaking note detailing his torment.
In some cases, the educators meant to support these students have been complicit. A Xhosa-speaking teacher bluntly dismissed a Congolese student’s need for language assistance, stating, “This is not your country; go find someone who speaks your language.” Other instances of public humiliation have left lasting scars on the refugee children, compelling parents to voice their frustration. Shabani spoke of how his daughter was berated in front of her peers for unpaid fees, further compounding the challenges that these families face.
Beyond personal interactions, systemic problems also contribute to creating a hostile environment. Refugee students are often placed in grades below their appropriate age, exposing them to further ridicule. Christiane’s daughter, demoted from Grade 10 in the DRC to Grade 8 in South Africa, became a target for mockery about her height and age. Extracurricular activities, which could offer a sense of belonging, are often tainted with discrimination, as many parents attest their children are barred from sports competitions due to their refugee status.
Imani described a heartbreaking situation in which her son was used to secure wins in athletic events, yet was disqualified from the finals because he was Congolese. Despite these barriers, some children have found solace and friendship with peers who share similar backgrounds, or through the support of compassionate teachers who recognise their struggles.
As Ntagerwa’s thesis highlights, the urgent need for inclusive, anti-bullying policies and sensitivity training for educators is paramount. Parents are pressing for systemic changes that acknowledge the unique challenges faced by refugee students. “School rules exist on paper, but they’re not applied fairly,” lamented Sakina.
“We came here for safety, but our children are fighting another war—this time in the classroom.”
Ntagwera acknowledges the limitations of her research, noting that her findings, while informative, stemmed from a small sample size of 20 parents. Nevertheless, the insights provided lay bare the critical need for actions that ensure the safety and dignity of refugee children navigating their new lives in South Africa.
