Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Kimber's brave stand may have averted disaster

The Star,June 24, 2009 Edition 1

Last Tuesday I was watching Touched by an Angel on TV. The story centred on a boy who was being continually bullied at school and was planning revenge by planting a bomb in the school.

On his way to plant the bomb, he was confronted by a bully, who pushed him around and caused him to drop what he was carrying. Those around laughed while he bent to pick up his belongings, which humiliated him and strengthened his resolve to plant the bomb. I thought of the Parktown Boys saga, which has greatly distressed me.

In America, remember Columbine, and in Germany very recently, boys have gone back to their schools and shot up pupils and teachers. This has not yet happened in South Africa, thankfully.

I believe Pene Kimber is extremely brave to have taken a stand. Not an easy one and certainly a very lonely one.

I know from experience that most boys would rather die than have Mom go to "bat for them".

Who knows what future major disasters may have been averted by Pene's courage at this time.

Shirley Ingleby

Joburg

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