Actor Masoja Msiza hopes to fly the anti-bullying flag high through the Siyasizana “Play Better” campaign
Actor Masoja Msiza is not only a passionate stageman but also has community issues and ills at the core of his mandate. That is why the 58-year-old has partnered up with the SASKO Siyasizana “Play Better” campaign to raise awareness against bullying.
“As a poet and actor, that immediately places you in the position of being a social commentator and agent of stimulating social change. I am a motivator, using my voice of authourity in shaping society. I work on myself day-in day-out to always position myself as such,” he said.
The campaign targets children through the upgrading of a 1000 playgrounds, and hopes to encourage playing and conversations within different communities on the dangers of bullying. And while this crime can occur anywhere within society, from the outside world straight back into our family homes, speaking on this widespread social phenomenon has become an important topic to address. Numbers are spiraling out of control.
A 2021/2022 Violence and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Study found that “violence against children in South Africa is all-pervasive. The 2016 Optimus Study, which provided the first national prevalence data on child abuse, violence and neglect, found that 42% of children have experienced some form of violence – including sexual abuse (35%), physical violence (35%), emotional abuse (26%) and neglect (15%).”
Stats SA revealed that the most common form of violence experienced by children at schools was corporal punishment by teachers, with close to 84% of children experiencing this type of violence in 2019, followed by verbal abuse by teachers (13.7%) and physical violence by teachers (10.6%).
Violence breeds violent children and thus creating violent environments. Bullying can sometimes be a manifestation of these violent acts.
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The above reports prove that violence and bullying in South Africa are rampant, thus the “Play Better” campaign targets early childhood development (ECD) and foundation phase learners with a strong anti-bullying message, promoting active and positive play.
“We want to raise awareness of the many problems that occur within schools, and these problems spread through the communities with various social ills plaguing our societies. When people grow older, they sometimes resist change, even when situations are dire. Targeting children, therefore, becomes an easier alternative to deal with issues from the ground up,” he added.
“I hope that we get to teach acceptance among the children, that everyone is unique and are special in their own right. When we start this at an early age, I hope we are able to shape upright members of society.”
The approach of games and playgrounds becomes ideal. Msiza has also opened up about experiencing his own fair-share of bullying, which motivates him to do more.
“Not only did I experience bullying while growing up but I also did bully others. And as you grow up, you realise how dire this cruel act is and that is why I have dedicated my life to making a change. Although maybe my experience may not have been as severe as those that I have witnessed around me. Not everyone was fortunate to be able to escape bullying situations like I did, and those have repercussions.
“Communities and South Africa will not overcome bullying if we don’t promote awareness and ignite conversations. Bullying exists everywhere, even between spouses, that we need to address openly. Let this message be received by everyone, not just children because we need to emphasize the vastness of this pandemic. Launching playgrounds is a step to reaching communities” he said.