"Things here in township schools are different": crime insecurity and schooling in SA townships

Abstract

This paper examines how crime, insecurity, and social disorganization affect the educational experiences of learners and teachers in two secondary schools in Umlazi township, South Africa. Drawing on social disorganization theory and qualitative data from interviews and focus groups, the study shows how crime is normalized within school environments, while community-led safety initiatives often destabilize rather than protect learning spaces. The findings highlight the limitations of education reforms that ignore broader structural violence and call for multidimensional strategies that integrate schooling with community development, poverty alleviation, and public safety initiatives. Building on relational theories of peace and dialogue, the paper argues that restoring hope in township schools requires rehumanizing relationships, fostering restorative practices, and strengthening community cohesion. Ultimately, educational transformation must be part of broader social justice efforts, recognizing that the conditions of learning are inseparable from the structural inequalities that shape township life.