Teachers'perceptions of substance abuse by learners at selected high schools in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province

Abstract

Globalisation has brought the world closer. As a results most of goods including drugs from one continent to another has increased. Every drug available in the world is within reach and thus has led the early access of drugs in South African schools. The aim of this study was to explore and describe teachers' perceptions of substance abuse by learners at selected high schools in the Capricorn District of Limpopo Province. The study utilized qualitative and explorative, descriptive and contextual designs. The population of the study comprised teachers at Mamolemane and Moshubaba High Schools in Bahlaloga Circuit in the Capricorn District. Purposive sampling was used to select schools with a high rate of substance abuse. Non-probability, convenience sampling method was used to select the participants. Focus group discussions guided by a semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data. A total of 30 participants were envisaged, and it was guided by data saturation. The researcher used Tech's eight steps of qualitative data analysis. Five main themes emerged from the raw data, namely, dominant stories related to learners' substance abuse, precipitating factors leading to substance abuse, provision of support versus lack of support and educators' views related to learners abusing alcohol. Sub-themes emerged from the main themes. Trustworthiness was ensured and ethical considerations were observed in this study. The results were analyzed and recommendations based on the results were formulated to enhance teachers' perceptions of substance abuse by learners.