PRINCIPAL OR POLICEMAN? EXPERIENCES OF SCHOOL PRINCIPALS IN MANAGING SCHOOL VIOLENCE

As leaders of their school, principals strive to ensure a positive learning environment for all learners, one whose learners feel safe and feel free from harassment. Learner violence is and has been a thorny issue among learners and teachers since the advent of democracy. The South African government through the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of South Africa together with the Department of Education through legislation such as the South African Schools Act, made provision through school governing bodies and school principals of ensuring that the violence in schools should be managed and be eradicated by means of formulating sound policies. A qualitative research design was used in this study, with case study design being the focus. Participants were purposefully selected from principals from primary and secondary schools in the Gauteng West district of South Africa. Qualitative content analysis was used in analysing data. Themes were identified and will be discussed.