Empowering youth to combat bullying and violence in South Africa

Ten Nyanga youngsters completed an intervention training programme - a new approach to tackle bullying and violence in South Africa.

The group is the first to graduate from the non-profit organisation Thrive’s somatically-based intervention training, which focuses on self-awareness, self-regulation, and communication skills.

Thrive founder Brian Segal, from Green Point, said bullying was a symptom of unprocessed stress and pain.  

He said that many pupils were replicating the communication and emotional patterns they experience at home.“When you reprimand a bully, you increase their internal tension, which often leads to more outbursts. But if you can give them tools to release that pressure and express themselves safely, behavioural change follows naturally,” he said.

Mr Segal said that the youth who completed the training, known as Thrive initiators, would facilitate interactive sessions, extending their work beyond bullying to address gender-based violence, relationship difficulties, and community pressure, while also developing as financial and social entrepreneurs.

“They will transform schools and communities - one relationship at a time,” he said.

Trained as community-based entrepreneurs, they will grow the skills of emotional intelligence into corporations, schools, and communities across the city.

Mr Segal said that the solution was not more punishment or discipline, but rather teaching new skills around self-awareness, self-regulation, and communication.

Thrive’s approach is grounded in somatic healing - a method focused on releasing tension from the central nervous system to bring about emotional regulation and behavioural transformation.

The organisation offers training programmes that equip pupils, teachers, and caregivers with practical tools to communicate, connect, and respond rather than react.

“Our Nyanga cohort represents the next generation of community leaders,” said Mr Segal.

“They will not only help reduce violence and bullying in schools but also grow as financial and social entrepreneurs, building a thriving, resilient local ecosystem from within," said Mr Segal.

Initiator Lisakhanya Mzongwana, from Nyanga, said he uses the skills every day in his relationships. "It is about acknowledging past traumas. Dealing with them and moving forward with emotional intelligence," he said. 

 Mr Mzongwana said it about being a good leader and entrepreneur. 

He completed the three-month course and is looking forward to sharing the skills with pupils and students. "It was like stepping into a new world. A world of leadership with softness, improving communication, and leading with emotional intelligence," he said. 

"It is for everyone. So, everyone can thrive, lead, and become an entrepreneur," he said.