The Ubuntu African perspective on the institutional and community contributory factors associated with substance use among rural high school learners in Limpopo, South Africa

Abstract

Substance use among high school learners is a major public health problem all across the world, and in South Africa. It has devastating effects on the health and social well-being of learners, as well as the educational process. This study sought to explore environmental contributory factors associated with substance use among high school learners in the Motetema circuit, South Africa. The study followed a qualitative research approach by employing the phenomenological research design. 10 learners from various high schools participated in the study, including 07 key informants using semi-structured interviews. Data were then analysed using a thematic approach. Institutional factors (bullying and the school setting), and community factors (availability of drugs in the community) are the main environmental contributory factors to substance use among learners in Motetema circuit. In terms of intervention, the Ubuntu African philosophy provides a structured and targeted intervention to tackle the problem through the collective contribution of families, key stakeholders, and communities. Furthermore, there should be school-based intervention services to help learners with their interpersonal problems and conducting anti-bullying awareness campaigns is essential.

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