Student-on-teacher violence in South Africa’s Tshwane South District of Gauteng Province: Voices of the victims

Abstract

School violence is a growing concern globally and schools in South Africa find it difficult to manage the problem of learner behaviour. Despite various educational policies and frameworks developed to prevent school violence, the system continues to fail teachers. Due to violence,  schools are no longer safe places for teachers and learners. In South Africa, teachers are regularly exposed to physical violence and verbal attacks by learners. Recent media reports about teachers being attacked by learners clearly show an intent to inflict severe physical harm on the teacher. This qualitative study was conducted in one province in South Africa underpinned by the National School Safety Framework. This qualitative study aimed to understand the lived experience of teachers who had experienced violence against them by learners. The findings revealed that teachers are experiencing social, emotional and psychological trauma. Many teachers cannot perform their duties fruitfully and are constantly anxious to go to school. Emanating from this study, the following recommendations have been proposed: the Department of Education in South Africa should enforce its numerous policies and guidelines to protect teachers against violence. Social and psychological support services should be made available to teachers who have experienced violence. A stricter disciplinary code of conduct should be implemented in all schools for learners.