Intervention strategies to reduce school violence in Bhekulwandle rural community

Abstract

Given the extent of violence in South Africa, it is not surprising that its schools are also venues where various forms of violence are common. Since 1994, in the pursuit of ending violence in schools, attention has been given to ending corporal punishment and reducing other forms of violence; most of these efforts have emphasized retributive discipline methods. This research adopted a restorative approach to violence in one high school, with a focus on grade nine learners in 2019 who could be entering grade 10 in 2020. An action research approach and a mixed methods research design were employed. Quantitative data from learners was collected via questionnaires, and this was supplemented by focus group discussions and interviews with learners, teacher, and other stakeholders. The main finding was that restorative interventions, such as peacemaking circles, together with transformative learning - covering both the curriculum and pedagogy- contributed to building a culture of peace in this high school.