A new phenomenon of Learner-on-Educator-Violence: A case of two secondary schools in Umlazi Township, Durban

Abstract

This study aims to understand how learner-on-educator violence affects teacher efficacy in schools, particularly in light of recent outbreaks of teacher killings in schools. The study sample was two schools, and the participants were two Life orientation teachers, two chairpersons of the school’s safety and security committee, and security guards. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and observation journals. The study's findings indicated that teachers experienced varied levels of violence, ranging from loss of instructional time; to personal, physical, psychological, and teacher killings. Furthermore, the study found that learner-on-educator violence has become unmanageable.