SCHOOL STAKEHOLDERS’ COLLABORATIVE STRATEGIES FOR MANAGEMENT OF DISCIPLINE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ILEMBE DISTRICT

This research study explored collaborative strategies used by school stakeholders for managing discipline in the ILembe District. Purposive sampling was used in this study to select study participants from stakeholders in the ILembe district in KwaZulu-Natal. A qualitative research approach was used and a case study methodology design was used for in- depth data collection, in the form of interviews. Data was analysed by means of a coding process to generate a description of the setting or people, as well as categories or themes for analysis. The findings of the study revealed effective collaborative strategies used by stakeholders of two schools. In implementing strategies collaboratively, it was found that two out of the four schools that formed part of this study, were able to manage discipline effectively using strategies such as assertive discipline, restorative discipline and building a good rapport with learners. The effective collaborative strategies used by stakeholders of these schools included the inclusion of learners in the decision making process, establishment of a rapport and clear lines of communication with learners, implementing the school Code of Conduct at all levels, and the assistance of all stakeholders who had a vested interest in education. The findings also indicated that restorative discipline was collaboratively implemented by all stakeholders of two out of four schools, to manage discipline effectively. It is, therefore, recommended that all stakeholders employ collaboration when implementing strategies aimed at managing discipline.