Developing a strategy to curb gangsterism in selected schools

Abstract

The wide media depiction of gangsterism on school premises in South Africa indicates a constant rise in criminal activity, despite measures put in place to curb it. So rife is the scourge of the gangsterism phenomenon that it paints a bleak picture of the education system in South Africa as an apex priority. In the Free State, gangs in recent years are in full swing and a menace to many school communities. Empirical evidence shows that gangs are one of the social issues that impact negatively on the lives of many school learners. Educational studies indicate that gangsterism is a prime source of school violence on school premises. This qualitative research seeks to explore the impact of gangsterism in selected schools through relevant literature. Furthermore, the study intends to use the data thus collected, as informed by best practices worldwide, to develop a strategy that will assist to curb gangsterism in schools.