Perceptions on safety related challenges in selected secondary schools of Mogalakwena Education District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

This study was conducted to explore the perceptions of safety related challenges in selected secondary schools of Mogalakwena Education District, Limpopo province namely: Langalibalele, Seritarita, and Ebenezer secondary schools following a qualitative research approach and exploratory research design. The non-probability sampling: Purposive sampling was adopted to sample 18 participants and 6 participants were selected from each school. In this study, data was gathered using one-on-one semi-structured face-to-face interviews and analysis was done using thematic content analysis. Social disorganisation theory was the adopted theoretical framework in the study that concluded that location matters in terms of what crime occurs in certain communities. The theory stated that school violence is likely to occur in crime-oriented communities and that family and neighbourhood play a significant in how learners view crime and how they carry themselves. The study identified causes of school violence, research on the topic and data collected from the chosen participants, the Department of Education (DBE) legislative frameworks are thought to be effective in some schools and not all. This study recommends that the DBE work with therapists and psychologists to support victimized educators and non-violent. To inform parents about the school violence, have awareness programs to acknowledge learners of how bad crime is. The study also suggests that parents and other stakeholders play a significant role in enhancing school security, work on improving the current security measures to guarantee safety of in the schools.