Abstract
D.Ed. (Educational Management)
This research focuses on the conflict and the concomitant disruption experienced in black
urban secondary schools in the RSA. The causes, the nature and the extent of such conflict
and disruption are indicated, and the attempts thus far, to manage such conflict, are
discussed. Attention is also given to alternative methods of managing conflict in an effort
to curtail the disruption of schools so that unimpeded meaningful education may take place.
The premise is that education is at the centre of conflict in black communities and that
unrest and disruption at schools constitutes a specific form of conflict in the South African
situation.
The variable success rate achieved in attempting to combat conflict in black schools through
conventional methods of managing such conflict necessitates a search for alternative conflict
management methods in education. This research focuses on the process of mediation as a
technique for managing conflict.
The main aim is to ascertain whether mediation may be employed to manage conflict in
black schools effectively. To achieve this aim, both a study of the literature and analytical
research have been carried out by way of a questionnaire and interviews.
The use of mediation as a technique for managing conflict in schools overseas and the
successes achieved in USA schools are also addressed.
The conclusion is drawn that a very real need exists to use mediation as a technique for
managing conflict in black schools. This research shows that mediation is both an
acceptable and a viable mechanism for the effective management of conflict in black schools.
Several recommendations are made on the use of mediation as a technique for minimising conflict and disruption in the field of education. It is recommended, inter alia. that all
teacher training programmes should include courses on non-violent conflict management
techniques. with the emphasis on mediation. Education authorities should put to use the
resources and the skills of all institutions that have managed conflict through mediation.