Wayde joins Cartoon Network anti-bullying campaign

Johannesburg - South African Olympic hopeful and World Champion sprinter, Wayde van Niekerk, has teamed up with Cartoon Network and ChildLine to launch their international anti-bullying campaign, CN Buddy Network, in South Africa.

The initiative, which kicks off on 7 May, encourages children and young people to “be a buddy, not a bully”, and aims to raise awareness and to empower the children of South Africa to take action against bullying.

As part of the initiative, Cartoon Network, the leading children’s TV channel in South Africa, will be collaborating with ChildLine.

Wayde will appear in an on-air campaign on Cartoon Network on DStv, Channel 301, premiering on 7 May, which will also include an original series of animated shorts addressing the viewpoints of the bully, the bullied and the observer.  

Wayde van Niekerk says: “I jumped at the chance to work with Cartoon Network and ChildLine on this as I know only too well what it feels like to be bullied.

“What I love about this initiative is that we are teaching children to be a buddy and not a bully. Bullying is never acceptable and there is nothing shameful about asking for help – speaking up is the first step in making things better.”

Children can visit the Be A Buddy website from the 7 May for more information, resources, professional advice and tips, as well as watch the original animated shorts and video messages from Wayde van Niekerk.

(Photos: Supplied)