Cyber-bullying refers to the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target a person or an organisation.
Hostile texts, tweets, posts, or messages are also considered online threats. Posting personal information, photos, or videos with the intent to harm or embarrass another individual are also part of cyber-bullying.
An example of an organisation currently experiencing this barrage of online attacks and harassment is women’s advocacy group Women For Change which fights gender-based-violence (GBV) and helps victims of such abuse.
Bulelwa Adonis, the group’s spokesperson said this is the most intense hatred they have ever received, especially after launching a petition to stop Chris Brown from coming to perform in South Africa in December.
“The activism space is not one of popularity,” Adonis explained, “We’re not foreign to hatred or trolling. But, this is easily the most overwhelming online attack that we have received as an organisation.”
Warning: graphic language
She said Brown’s stans - obsessed fans - have also gone to extremes and bullied individuals within the group.
“People know me and the founder, Sabrina ... She has endured quite a lot of cyber-bullying because she is from Germany. They have latched on and stressed that she is a foreigner.”
Before joining the organisation, Adonis recounted how she had been a victim of in-person bullying but it has never been to this level. The online attacks by the ‘Chris Brown fandom’ are also tinged with xenophobic undertones.
“There is this narrative that me and the team are dating Nigerians ... Apparently I am half Zimbabwean and people question my nationality ... There was even a heinous comment left that I am involved in human trafficking ... Defamation of character would be an understatement to what we have endured.”
Warning: graphic language
She has had to make her Instagram private due to the harassment.
On the organisation’s X account, one can witness the online attacks. “F*** you and f*** that feminist cult you promote,” someone commented.
In addition, she said there were two petitions against Women For Change that were launched. Adonis went on to say that it has become a matter of safety and that she is considering not going out in public until after the concert.
Adonis said this has all taken a toll on the whole team, but when asked what still propels them to carry on, she said: “If we don’t, who will?”
The activist continued, “It is a burdensome responsibility to put on one’s self, but look at the state of our country. Somebody has to do it. We don’t want to drop the ball now.
“People forget that we are human beings, not just robots behind a screen. Despite our strength, we are still just people and get second-hand trauma from the people we help.”
During the month of October, IOL will be carrying stories highlighting the prevalence of bullying, delving into its underlying causes, identifying what bullying looks like, and suggesting courses of action and avenues to seek help if you feel you are being bullied.
Bullying is a choice; choose better.
Join us as we at IOL say No To Bullying.
* No To Bullying is an IOL initiative. If you feel like you are being bullied, reach out to:
- Childline — 116
- Stop Gender Violence — 0800 150 150
- South African Depression and Anxiety Group — 0800 567 567
- Sonke Gender Justice — 0861 322 322
- Legal Aid — 011 877 2000
- South African Federation for Mental Health — 011 781 1852
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