The incident took place at Mondale High School
Image: File
A nearly 30-second video showing two learners fighting on the premises of Mondale High School has been widely circulated on social media, prompting calls for swift disciplinary action.
The clip, which has been shared across multiple platforms, shows two boys swinging punches at each other while another learner records the altercation. At one point, a third learner appears to encourage the fight and is seen jumping onto the back of one of the boys as the scuffle intensifies.
A video of the fight is shared online
Image: Screen Capture
The footage continues with one of the learners falling to the ground. Only then do other pupils step in to calm the situation and separate those involved.
The video has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many social media users, with several calling on the school to act decisively.
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Millicent Merton explained:
“On Monday, 16 February 2026, towards the end of the second interval, two learners, one in Grade 9 and the other in Grade 10, became involved in an argument about whose turn it was to play soccer.
“The disagreement escalated and resulted in a physical altercation. No serious injuries were reported.
“The principal met with the parents of both learners this morning.
“The matter is currently under investigation, and once concluded, appropriate steps will be taken in accordance with the school’s Code of Conduct.”
The incident comes amid growing concern over the circulation of school fight videos online. Over the past year, multiple clips involving pupils have trended on social media.
In November 2025, separate exam venues were set up for learners at JG Meiring High School following a violent fight captured on video. In that footage, a large group of boys could be seen attacking another pupil, with objects thrown during the chaos as other learners screamed and crowded around them.
That incident occurred outside the school premises on Friday, October 24, shortly after the school day had ended.
It also followed reporting by Cape Argus, sister publication to the Weekend Argus, about a WhatsApp channel in 2025 where fight videos were allegedly shared among learners. The group reportedly garnered more than 30 000 followers, raising concerns about the normalisation and amplification of school violence through social media.
Amina Rossouw wrote: “Gooi daai soort kinders af van die skool, hulle is soos gangsters nie soos skool kinders nie.”
Jaco Minnie added: “Lyfstraf terug vir skole, dit is al wat werk, ons sou nooit so baklei het nie, want jy sou daarna eers gebliksem word deur skoolhoof en dan nog as jy by die huis kom weer.”
Reaction online to the Mondale High clip has been swift.
Beck Joos commented on Facebook: “Take that video to headmaster for action. Don’t wait till it’s late.”
Stanley Chilambe asked: “Where did we go wrong? How did we end up here?”