Implementation of the Safe Schools Programme in the Secondary Schools of the Limpopo Province in South Africa

Abstract

Several programmes and interventions have been developed to deal with challenges facing schools in South Africa. As a result, there seems to be much focus on designing and developing interventions with less emphasis on the implementation thereto. The purpose of this article is to report on a study that focused on the implementation of the Safe Schools Programme in the secondary schools of the Limpopo Province. A qualitative approach where seven schools were selected as sites was adopted for use in the study. Data were generated from observation, interviewing and documents. Analysis of data was done by developing categories. Categories developed included knowledge about the existence of the Safe Schools Programme, implementation and barriers to the implementation. Some findings from the study show that there was no implementation of the programme due to some barriers. Amongst other barriers was that schools did not get support from the Department of Education and their communities in the implementation of the Safe Schools Programme. It is concluded that lack of support, particularly from the Department of Education is an indication that the safety of learners in schools is not taken as a priority by those who are in charge of the Department. Recommendations were made.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p752