Workplace violence in private and public secondary schools in Tshwane, Gauteng

Abstract

This article presents the results of a comparative investigation into educators’ experiences of workplace violence in private and public secondary schools in Tshwane, Gauteng. Specific foci are experiences of, exposure to and perceptions of risk and safety, and policies and prevention strategies to combat workplace violence in school settings. A cross-sectional survey design was used to gather data from 122 educators working at six schools in the Tshwane metropolitan area. In addition to descriptive results, bivariate data analyses were conducted to identify significant differences between public and private schools. Educators at public schools were more likely to be aware of violence against a colleague; experienced more personal violence in the form of physical and verbal violence; bullying; and vandalism by learners. They were also at greater risk of victimisation in the form of unequal treatment and favouritism. The opportunity to victimise educators is greatest during classes, especially in public schools . The findings validate public school educators’ adverse views of safety and risk in the workplace. The researchers made a number of recommendations, inter alia for increased awareness, training and dissemination of information related to workplace violence among all school staff. Furthermore, that the development and implementation of policies regarding workplace violence must receive priority.