WATCH: Buhle Samuels bullied for speaking english only
Actress Buhle Samuels portrays Muvhango’s Matshidiso, who reveals that she has been criticized for speaking only English. Bullying affected Buhle Samuels during his high school years. The actress has thought back on her worst school days.
“How it started was that people thought I was a black American because I spoke English, but I wasn’t. I just didn’t know how to speak Zulu because of the school I attended. I struggled with vernacular.”
The Muvhango actress initially took matters into her own hands, as she had no idea what to do or who to confide in.
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The actress says:“Those were the hardest days of my schooling life. I decided to stand up for myself the next time they tried, which was in high school. I was very strong and wouldn’t allow any bullying near me.
“One day during my first year at high school I stood firm and told the tormentors where to get off. Ever since that day I never allowed such behaviour.”
“I wish I could’ve received help earlier, and encouraged young people to ask for help sooner rather than later.”
We have to start by educating anti-bullying from an early learning level. Some of the children are influenced by different backgrounds, like domestic violence back at their homes, and this can result in a bully.”
Buhle, who is often trolled on social media, has also been a victim of body shaming, especially on social media. She said, ” Being cyberbullied was like water off a duck’s back after her experience at school.
“I just smile and move on whenever I feel adult bullying in my space. It is a popular norm on social media, but I am a survivor of such and I know how to handle it.”
