Witnessing the escalating levels of violence in high schools, especially violence that is related to drug and alcohol abuse, prompted Dr Zithobile Mkhize-Ngidi to pursue her PhD in Public Administration (Peace Studies) in the Faculty of Management Sciences at the Durban University of Technology (DUT).

Her research topic was, “Reducing School Violence: A Peace Education Project Amongst Stakeholders in Umlazi”.

The Vikingozi Secondary School, Deputy Principal who will graduate this evening at Fred Crookes Sports Centre during the Faculty of Management Sciences Graduation ceremony, explained the rationale behind her chosen topic, “As an educator I have seen this increase in school violence first-hand, and I wanted to dig deeper into the causes of school violence, and the steps that could be taken to reduce it. I also wanted to pay careful attention to the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders in the education system (educators, parents, community members, the Department of Education and learners themselves) in reducing this pandemic.”

Dr Mkhize-Ngidi said her study sought to give all the stakeholders involved in the education sector a new perspective on violence, possibly offering a solution that is both restorative and effective. Adding that the study equipped various participants with the knowledge and tools to intercept potentially violent incidents before they escalated to a more detrimental state.

“The study used the ‘cure violence model’, and stated that violence is like a contagious disease, and therefore needs to be attended to as such. Educators and learners need to identify the infected stakeholders that need to be assisted. As observed in similar investigations, the implementation of this model has a notable positive effect in the school environment. It is assumed that by reducing the levels of violence in the school, this also has an impact in reducing the physical and psychological effects, educational damage and societal breakdown that come with it. The beauty of this model is in its ability to be used in any setting, across many dividing lines,” she said.

The mother of two daughters said her journey to the completion of her PhD was challenging and required many sacrifices. “Time was my biggest challenge. It was very difficult to balance my work life, social life and my studies. I compromised my position as a wife, mother and daughter in order to complete this journey. I had to make many sacrifices, such as not attending parties, or not going to the beach or mall with my family. It was a long journey which started in 2015, and took me 3.5 years to complete,” added Dr Mkhize-Ngidi.

The Highflats-born Dr Mkhize-Ngidi said obtaining her PhD is a dream come true. “I never though this day would come, whereby a rural lady like me would graduate with a red gown and be referred to as “Doctor”. I dedicate this qualification to my parents, who sacrificed, loved and supported me, despite all of their hardships – I salute them,” she said.

She said her future plans includes mentoring new researchers, particularly those focused on research in education and schools. She also wants to work with other experienced researchers to produce publications that will influence the curriculum, with the aim of teaching learners as early as in grade R skills such as anger management, mediation and conflict resolutions, in order to reduce violence in schools.

Pictured: Dr Zithobile Mkhize-Ngidi flanked by her daughters Anele Mkhize (left) and Nonsindiso Mkhize (right).

Nduduzo Ndlovu