The effectiveness of religious and cultural values in South African schools: A case study on the effectiveness of religious and cultural values in South African schools Post Apartheid Era

The effectiveness of religious and cultural values in South African schools: A case study on the effectiveness of religious and cultural values in South African schools Post Apartheid Era

Simbongile Gxagxisa & Mlungiseleli Ziduli

Issue: Vol. 7 No.6 2026 Article 1 pp.1426 – 1441
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2026761Published online 14th July 2026

15 Downloads

DOWNLOAD PDF

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the effectiveness of religious and cultural values in South Africa during the post-apartheid era. Currently, South African schools are faced with unrest and instability triggered by social ills such as lawlessness, bullying and violence. The available literature proves that indiscipline in schools is a serious matter that needs urgent attention. The rationale behind this paper is to combat these social ills in South African schools. Eradicating social ills in schools can result in a positive school culture for quality education. The authors used a qualitative research method, whereby a case study research design with an interpretive-constructivism paradigm. The authors purposely chose 15 participants for data collection through semi-structured face-to-face individual interviews with 5 participants from each of the 3 chosen schools. Data were thematically analysed with the following findings: Religious and cultural values receive less attention from the school setting; Religious and cultural values are not well understood by both teachers and parents, and this resulted in the prevalence of lawlessness, bullying and violence in South African schools. This paper recommends that the Department of Basic Education reconsiders religious and cultural values in schools to combat social ills. There is a need for training workshops to equip all school stakeholders to curb lawlessness, bullying and violence in schools.

Keywords: Religious Values, Religious Education, School Culture, Religious Policies.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Abulencia, C. 10 Major Causes of Poverty and How We Can Help Solve Them. Canada: World Vision Publications, 2022.

Albert Team. The Ethnic vs Universalizing Religions: AP Human Geography Crash Course. . AP® Geography, 2020.

Ambrosino, Brandon. “Do Humans Have a ‘Religion Instinct?’” BBC, May 30 (2019).

Angell, B. Behavioral Theory. Encyclopedia of Social Work. Oxford University Press, 2022.

Antinluoma, Markku, Liisa Ilomäki, and Auli Toom. “Practices of Professional Learning Communities.” In Frontiers in Education, 6:617613. Frontiers Media SA, 2021.

Asadu, George C., Nicholas Asogwa, and Benjamin C. Diara. “Religious Pluralism and Its Implications for Church Development.” HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies 76, no. 3 (July 28, 2020). https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v76i3.5955.

Asmal, Kader. The National Policy on Religion and Education (NPRE). Pretoria: University of Pretoria, 2003.

Atkinson, J. “Do Cultural Models Actually Work?” 2020.

Bassam, Eid, Touma Boulos Marianne, Lydia Khabbaz Rabbaa, and Bernard Gerbaka. “Corporal Punishment of Children: Discipline or Abuse?” Libyan Journal of Medicine 13, no. 1 (January 26, 2018): 1485456. https://doi.org/10.1080/19932820.2018.1485456.

Bodo, Shem Okore. “The Education Pendulum: The Role of Discipline in Learner Performance and Quality of Life.” ADEA, 2020. https://www.adeanet.org/en/blogs/education-pendulum-role-discipline-learner-performance-quality-life.

Bowlby, J. Attachment Theory: Caregiving Is Adaptive. University of Hull StudoCo Publishers, 2022.

Brahm Levey, Geoffrey. “The Bristol School of Multiculturalism.” Ethnicities 19, no. 1 (February 10, 2019): 200–226. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468796818787413.

California Teachers Association. “Teaching About Religion.” California Educator, January 11, 2018. https://www.cta.org/educator/posts/teaching-about-religion.

Christian MP, Delmaine. “Teen Suicide Prevention Week: The Importance of Stopping Bullying in School.” Democratic Alliance, February 13, 2025. https://www.da.org.za/2025/02/teen-suicide-prevention-week-the-importance-of-stopping-bullying-in-schools.

Cooling, Trevor. “Worldview in Religious Education: Autobiographical Reflections on The Commission on Religious Education in England Final Report.” British Journal of Religious Education 42, no. 4 (October 1, 2020): 403–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/01416200.2020.1764497.

Council of Europe Portal. The Council of Europe: Guardian of Human Rights. Council of Europe Publishers, 2022.

Cran, C. Shared Leadership Is Aspirational – A Shared Leadership Culture Requires Individual Commitment to Evolution. LinkedIn Publishers, 2020.

Currie, Iain, and Johan De Waal. The Bill of Rights Handbook. Juta and Company Ltd, 2013.

Dara-Abasi, I.T.A. Corporate Culture Definition, Characteristics, and Importance. Investopedia Publications, 2025.

Dasopang, Muhammad D, Ismail F A Nasution, and Azmil H Lubis. “The Role of Religious and Cultural Education as a Resolution of Radicalism Conflict in Sibolga Community.” HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies 79, no. 1 (2023): 8469.

Davies, Jim. “Religion Does Not Determine Your Morality.” Carlenton University, 2018. https://carleton.ca/news/story/religion-morality/.

Deng, Zongyi. “School Subjects and Academic Disciplines: The Diﬀerences.” In Curriculum, Syllabus Design and Equity, 50–63. Routledge, 2012.

Department of Education. Leadership and Management. Faculty of Education. Johannesburg (South Africa): University of Johannesburg, 2022.

Dogan, M. “School Culture and Effectiveness: OKUL-Kulturu Ve ETKILILIK.” Canakkale Onsekiz Mart Universitesi, 2018.

Dong, Baomin, Peter H. Egger, and Yibei Guo. “Is Poverty the Mother of Crime? Evidence from Homicide Rates in China.” PLOS ONE 15, no. 5 (May 18, 2020): e0233034. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0233034.

Dreyer, Jaco. “The National Policy on Religion and Education in South Africa: Reflections from a Public Practical Theology.” Practical Theology in South Africa 22 (December 1, 2007): 40–60.

Dube, Bekithemba. “Religious Education as a Pedagogy of Care in the Context of Violence: Re-Imaging Working and Thinking Together.” E-Journal of Religious & Theological Studies (ERATS) 9, no. 8 (2023): 408.

———. “Religious Education as a Pedagogy of Care in the Context of Violence: Re-Imaging Working and Thinking Together.” E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies 9, no. 8 (2023): 408–16.

Duku, N, and I A Salami. “The Relevance of the School Governance Body to the Effective Decolonisation of Education in South Africa,” 2017.

Dunn, T.S. 22 Miles: When Good People Make Bad Decisions (Flying for Money). Kindle Edition. Bellman Multimedia Publishing, 2023.

Dzurotul Ilmi, Putri Amara, and Khoirul Anwar. “Students’ Perception Of Total Physical Response Method In Teaching English Vocabulary At Ban Nonsawan School, Thailand.” Journal of Languages and Language Teaching 10, no. 2 (April 19, 2022): 266. https://doi.org/10.33394/jollt.v10i2.4989.

Ebrahim, S. “Discipline in Schools: What the Law Says You Can and Can’t Do.” Mail & Guardian 9 (2017).

Encyclopedia of Sociology. Religion, Sociology of: Encyclopedia of Science and Religion. Oxford University Press, 2018.

Eva, A. “How to Inspire Students to Become Better Citizens.” Greater Good Magazine, 2018.

Evans, S.D. “Community Leadership: Department of Educational and Psychological Studies School of Education. .” Global Journal of Community Psychology Practice 3, no. 3 (2017): 1–6.

Fancourt, Nigel. “The Meaning of Religious Education in English Legislation from 1800 to 2020.” British Journal of Religious Education 44, no. 4 (June 7, 2022): 497–511. https://doi.org/10.1080/01416200.2021.1968793.

Fengu, M. Drugs, Gangs and Pangas – the Soweto High School Beset by Violence and Lawlessness. Daily & Maverick Publishers, 2023.

Glossary of Education Reforms. Defines and Describes School-Improvement Terms, Concepts and Strategies for Journalists, Parents, and Community Members. Government Printers, 2015.

Government Communications. Government and Stakeholders Meet over School Violence. Government Communications Publishers, 2018.

Hamby, Sherry. “On Defining Violence, and Why It Matters.,” 2017.

Hlojeng, Mampaqa Anna, and Alfred Henry Makura. “Out-of-School Factors Contributing towards Academic Underachievement of Vulnerable Learners in Lesotho High Schools.” Proceedings of ADVED 2020, no. 6th (2020).

Jobela, D. Pupil Commits Suicide after Being Bullied for Practicing Witchcraft. Eastern Cape (Bisho): SABC 1 News 24 Publishers, 2021.

Kekana, Lebogang M, and Alfred H Makura. “The Importance Of School Governing Bodies In The Effective Governance Of The Public Schools: Do Women Have A Role?” Proceedings of ADVED 2020, no. 6th (2020).

Mabasa, Thomas, and Johannes Themane. “Stakeholder Participation in School Governance in South Africa.” Perspectives in Education 20, no. 3 (2002): 111–16.

Mahaye, Ngogi Emmanuel, and Oluwatoyin Ajani. “School Instability in South Africa: A Systematic Review of Reflections and Experiences for a Way Forward,” June 5, 2023. https://doi.org/10.32388/U9LBH1.

Maree, Kobus. First Steps in Research. Van Schaik Publishers, 2007.

Miller, M. K. Shock to the System: Coups, Elections, and War on the Road to Democratization. Princeton University Press, 2021.

Modipa, T.I. “An Analysis of the Implementation of the Policy on Religion and Education in Schools.” University of Pretoria, 2014.

Mokotso, R.I., and L. Ntombana. “Religious Pluralism for Inclusive Education in Lesotho Senior Secondary Schools: Religion – Educational Approach.” Cape Town (RSA): The Incwadi Press, 2022.

Msila, V. “In Search of a Liberating Practice; Leadership, Teacher Commitment and the Struggle for Effective Schools. Education Leadership and Management.” University of South Africa (UNISA), 2014.

Msimanga, Mothofela R. “Managing the Use of Resources in Multi-Grade Classrooms.” South African Journal of Education 39, no. (August 31, 2019): 1–9. https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v39n3a1599.

NEOGOV. Importance of Clear Policies and Procedures in Schools. Power DMS Publications, 2020.

Nofziger, Stacey, and Don Kurtz. “Violent Lives: A Lifestyle Model Linking Exposure to Violence to Juvenile Violent Offending.”Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency 42,no.1(2005):3–26.

Nollalinja. Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women, Its Causes and Consequences. Finland: United Nations Digital Library Printers, 2021.

Nthontho, Maitumeleng Albertina. “Religion in South African Education: A Divisive or Unifying Force?” Religious Education 119, no. 2 (March 14, 2024): 134–46. https://doi.org/10.1080/00344087.2023.2289266.

Ntombana, L, N Mndende, and N Mkuzo. “Decolonizing Religious Education in Institutions of Learning: A Backer for the African” Traditional” Religion,” 2018.

Nwankwo, J. “Wastewater Intensification: Fate of Emerging Pollutants and Future Health Implications.” Nigeria: University of Nigeria, 2021.

Obadire, Olufunmilayo Tenidade, and Dzivhonele Albert Sinthumule. “Learner Discipline in the Post-Corporal Punishment Era: What an Experience!” South African Journal of Education 41, no. 2 (May 31, 2021): 1–8. https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v41n2a1862.

Onaolapo, Akinlolu, and Sekitla Daniel Makhasane. “Cultural Significance of Elderly Guidance in Shaping Learner Discipline Management: A Case of Two Secondary Schools in Nigeria.” Interdisciplinary Journal of Sociality Studies 4 (2024): 1–13.

Pijoos, Iavan. “What Makes a Community? Religious Leaders Provide Input during CRL Dialogue.” News24, September 27, 2022. https://www.news24.com/southafrica/news/what-makes-a-community-religious-leaders-provide-input-during-crl-dialogue-20220927.

Preez, Petro Du, and Cornelia Roux. “Human Rights Values or Cultural Values? Pursuing Values to Maintain Positive Discipline in Multicultural Schools.” South African Journal of Education 30, no. 1 (2010): 13–26.

Priala, Vasile. “Religious Education in the Context of Interculturality.” In Proceedings of the 36th International RAIS Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities, 209–15. Scientia Moralitas Research Institute, 2024.

Riverside Military Academy. What Is the Importance of Discipline in School? RMA Publishers, 2021.

Schilbrack, Kevin. “The Concept of Religion,” 2022.

Schlebusch, Gawie, Solomon Makola, and Mkhumbulo Ndlovu. “Positive Learner Discipline for Public Secondary Schools.” International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change 16, no. 1 (2022): 2022.

Seopetsa, T. “Challenges Facing Implementation of Public Policies in South Africa.” Braamfontein. Damelin Publishers, 2018.

Studocu. Cultural Practices in South Africa. Studocu Publishers, 2025.

———. The Practice of Training People to Obey Rules or a Code of Behavior. Lyceum College of Education, 2025.

Su, Shao-Wen. “The Various Concepts of Curriculum and the Factors Involved in Curricula-Making.” Journal of Language Teaching and Research 3, no. 1 (2012): 153–58.

Ubani, Martin, and Raili Keränen-Pantsu. “Evolving Cultures of Religious Education: New Perspectives on Research, Policies and Practices.” Journal of Beliefs & Values. Taylor & Francis, 2018.

UNESCO. What You Need to Know about School Violence and Bullying. UNESCO Publishers, 2020.

Van der Walt, J. L. “Religion in Education: Is There Yet Another Solution?” Koers: Bulletin for Christian Scholarship= Koers: Bulletin Vir Christelike Wetenskap 75, no. 1 (2010): 79–98.

Venpakal, P. “Understanding Disciplines and Subjects.” ALAGAPPA University, 2017.

White-House, Simone. “The Importance of Religious Education (RE) in a School’s Curriculum.” Services for Education, August 10, 2022. https://www.servicesforeducation.co.uk/blog/schools/why-is-re-important-in-schools/.

World Health Organization. Corporal Punishment and Health. WHO Publishing Organization., 2021.

Yli-Panula, Eija, Eila Jeronen, and Sanna Mäki. “School Culture Promoting Sustainability in Student Teachers’ Views.” Sustainability 14, no. 12 (2022): 7440.

Ziduli, M. “Shared Leadership Perspectives in Rural Secondary Schools: A Case Study of One South African Education District.” Walter Sisulu University, South Africa, 2019.

Ziduli, Mlungiseleli. “The Managerial Leadership Styles of School Principals for School Effectiveness.” Walter Sisulu University, South Africa, 2016.

Ziduli, Mlungiseleli, and Andrea Mqondiso Buka. “Salvaging the Educational System through Effective Leadership: A Case Study of Rural Secondary Schools in South Africa.” Journal of Education 22, no. 1–3 (2018): 1–10.

Zulu, B M, G Urbani, A Van der Merwe, and J L Van der Walt. “Violence as an Impediment to a Culture of Teaching and Learning in Some South African Schools.” South African Journal of Education 24, no. 2 (2004): 170–75.

ABOUT AUTHOR(S)

Dr. Mlungiseleli Ziduli is currently a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Education in the Department of Adult and Education Foundations at iUnivesethi Walter Sisulu; Nelson Mandela Drive Campus; Mthatha; Eastern Cape Province; Republic of South Africa. His research interest focuses on rural school leadership, governance and management. Dr Mlungiseleli Ziduli is also involved in rural community development activities. He obtained the following qualifications: D.Ed, M.Ed, (WSU); Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education Studies (UCT); B. Ed in Educational Management, Law and systems; FDE in Educational Management (Potchefstroom University); BA (Unitra); Diploma in Christian Ministry (Transkei Bible College/Mthatha); IT Certificate in Project Management (Infotech: Mthatha); Computer Certificate (Systemax: Mthatha).

Dr. Simbongile Gxagxisa is currently a retired primary school principal. He obtained the following qualifications: STD (Clarkbury College: Mthatha), FDE (Pretoria University), B.Ed Hons (Pretoria University), M.Ed ( WSU), D.Ed (WSU), and Certificate in Labour Law (UNISA).

TO CITE ARTICLE

Gxagxisa, Simbongile & Mlungiseleli Ziduli. “The effectiveness of religious and cultural values in South African schools: A case study on the effectiveness of religious and cultural values in South African schools Post Apartheid Era,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 7, no.6 (2026): 1426 – 1441. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.2026761