Experts call for a culture of care in South African schools

THE health and safety of learners and teachers is under scrutiny given the multiple incidents of bullying in schools which sent shockwaves across the nation.

Experts say that creating a healthy school environment goes beyond clean classrooms and playgrounds, instead it requires a culture where everyone feels physically and psychologically safe.

In a country where schools face deep inequalities and both learners and educators struggle with stress, anxiety and burnout, wellbeing has become essential rather than optional. 

Teachers, particularly those working in under-resourced schools, are experiencing sustained levels of stress with limited structured support available.

Erika Engelbrecht-Aldworth, specialist in teacher support, lecturer at the South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP), and founder of the Well-being Initiative, says that “teacher burnout is at crisis levels, and this affects both new and experienced teachers alike.”

“Teacher wellbeing is not a ‘nice-to-have’, it’s critical to building their resilience and helping them to develop self-care practices. When wellbeing is embedded in the school environment, it not only provides effective support for teachers, but has a positive impact on learners too,” Engelbrecht-Aldworth said.

She was recently a presenter at SACAP’s Purpose Beyond the Classroom webinar, where she shared practical strategies for teachers and school leaders on managing identity, time, energy, and the role of joy in boosting resilience. 

“So many teachers are navigating stress and burnout all on their own,” she said. “However, if the school centres wellbeing  in its culture, then we make it easier for teachers to have healthier boundaries, find support when they need it and embrace a growth mindset in their professional development.”

Life Orientation’s Role in Promoting Wellbeing

Experts say that while teachers require self-care and support, learners also need tools to build resilience and emotional wellbeing. 

This is where the Life Orientation (LO) curriculum plays a pivotal role because it covers issues like physical activity, healthy eating, and the importance of a balanced lifestyle. It is also the only subject where issues like bullying are directly addressed, making it a key component in promoting safe and healthy school environments.

Life Orientation is compulsory and must be passed as part of the Matric qualification. It aims to equip learners to live meaningful, successful lives while contributing positively to society. 

“There’s a definite advantage to viewing Life Orientation through a psychology lens,” said Dr Vikki Botes, SACAP’s Head of Faculty for Applied Psychology.

“It’s the appropriate subject to highlight the importance of creating and maintaining a zero-bullying school environment that is psychologically safe for all learners and teachers.”

According to Botes, SACAP’s Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Senior Phase and FET Training equips teachers with the knowledge and skills to build character strength in youth while serving as wellbeing resources in their schools. The CHE-accredited one-year programme, offered at SACAP’s Cape Town and Johannesburg campuses, combines academic theory with eight weeks of supervised school-based Work Integrated Learning (WIL). Specialisations in Guidance Counselling and Learning Support prepare graduates to promote learner wellbeing and make appropriate psychosocial referrals.

“Prioritising wellbeing and living a meaningful life are important to our younger generations,” Botes said. “This makes SACAP’s PGCE an ideal programme for aspiring teachers who want to work with purpose while bringing transformative ideas and psychological skills to the modern South African school environment. By equipping teachers to nurture both their own wellbeing and that of their learners, SACAP is helping to shape schools that are not only centres of learning, but communities of care.”