Management of safety concerns in rural primary schools of Maleboho West Circuit in Limpopo Province

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate management of safety concerns in rural primary schools of Maleboho West circuit in Capricorn District. In rural areas, management of safety at primary school level is not adequate. Safety issues such as the carrying of sharp objects to classrooms, lack of scholar patrols and security guards, vandalizing of school property, poor condition of school buildings do not receive special attention in order to secure quality teaching and learning. To achieve the above aim, the study employed the interpretive paradigm to understand safety concerns from participants’ perspectives. The study was guided by a comprehensive approach theory to school safety. The study population comprised principals, teachers, governance official, chairpersons of School Governing Bodies and security personnel in Maleboho West circuit. In line with the interpretive research paradigm, purposive sampling was used to choose 11 participants that formed the study sample. Data was collected through interviews and document analysis. Data was analysed thematically. The results show that poor management of safety concerns is real and compromises the quality of teaching and learning. Amongst other measures, the study recommends enforcing discipline amongst learners and teachers; abolishment of pit toilets; availability of scholar patrols and security guards and ensuring the general monitoring of the safety of learners and school property.