Mitchells Plain siblings launch anti-bullying campaign

A nine-year campaign against bullying has led the Mitchells Plain siblings, Celita and Kayla Jenecker, to launch an anti-bullying initiative called 42 Unbreakable. Celita, the organization's founder and CEO, faced bullying for three years by 42 students in her class, an experience that ultimately forced her to transfer schools and later complete her education at college.

Kayla, 29, joined the cause after witnessing her sister's struggle and the detrimental effects it had on her. The bullying not only affected Celita's academics but also her personal life, with their mother spending countless hours meeting with school officials to intervene.

42 Unbreakable aims to reach schools across the Western Cape, providing information packs with coping mechanisms and contact details for pupils who need support. The organization recognizes that many children feel isolated and seeks to let them know they are not alone. Kayla plans to run to 42 schools over three days, starting from Highlands Primary School, where she and Celita used to attend.

The run will cover 14 schools on the first day, 15 on the second day, and 13 on the final day, concluding at Princeton High School, where Celita herself faced bullying.

The anti-bullying run is more than just a physical challenge; it symbolizes a movement to end bullying and raise awareness. Kayla has been training for the event, focusing on hill and speed work, core exercises, and strength training. Samuel "Uncle Sammy" Jones, 69, and Randall Jenecker have been crucial supporters, with Samuel having participated in over 20 schools alongside Kayla.

The campaign also receives backing from Unchain the Plain and Cape Town Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews, who will join Kayla during the run. For further information, interested parties can reach out to Kayla via phone or email.