The Influence of Gangs on the Extent of School Violence in South Africa : A Case Study of Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Eastern Cape

School-based violence amongst learners in South Africa is a growing concern for all stakeholders involved in the school system. The escalation of violence leads to lower academic progression of learners. School-based violence needs to be curbed and schools should be safe environments where learning and teaching take place, not battlefields where learners live in fear of being the next victims. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of gangs on the extent of school violence in South Africa: A case study of Sarah Baartman District Municipality, Eastern Cape. A qualitative approach and an exploratory research design were used in conducting this study as these approaches allowed participants to share first-hand experiences regarding the issue under investigation. Purposive sampling method was employed to select participants for the study. Twenty-five learners were selected to participate in this study to share their experience of gang violence in schools. The data obtained through semi-structured interviews were analysed thematically and supported by the relevant literature. The findings revealed that there are constantly escalating rates of sexual violence, physical violence, and vandalism on school property inflicted by gang members from both inside and outside the selected schools. Mainly, the aforementioned types of violence is caused due to excessive levels of substance abuse amongst these gang affiliates. It is, therefore, recommended that school security be increased and that the South African Police Services frequently patrol areas in which the respective schools are located.