School safety in rural schools: are schools as safe as we think they are?

In this study we explain the general legal principles that concern safety in schools and requirements with which schools should comply. Safety of learners, both physical and psychological, is researched as a phenomenon that cannot be ensured properly without effective management and planning. The subjects are principals in rural public primary schools in the Soutpansberg East Circuit of the Northern Province. The literature studies indicated a general rule that as school neighbourhoods become more and more violent, schools are also directly or indirectly affected. Creating safe schools involves designing various safety awareness programmes and strategies, as well as mobilising school support networks. Principals ought to have a knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation and also have the skills to implement legislations and policies. The interview responses indicate that safety strategies and programmes that are applied to provide a peaceful school environment in the area are not sufficient and should be improved. (South African Journal of Education: 2002 22(4): 313-318)