Negative effects of stress on teachers' in Botshabelo cluster in the Mafikeng ditsrict of the North West province of South Africa

Abstract

The study explored the causes and effects of stress on teachers from the Botshabelo Cluster schools in the North-West Province. In this study, stress was conceptualized as the impact on the individual by stressors that involve negative stressful emotions. The methodology adopted was quantitative and a sample of 120 teachers from primary, middle and high schools was selected. The study found among others that stress in schools is caused by poor management, add-on new teaching requirements, poor teacher remunerations and uncooperative learners. It then recommended that: • Schools must organize bosberaad whereby multidisciplinary committees will be invited eg EAP, social workers, psychologists, police, parents, etc to discuss and advice on what teachers should do in their work environment to overcome stress. • School principal should regularly conduct surveys in their schools in order to identify and address professional needs of teachers. • Promotion criteria must be based on the qualifications and hardwork, and not on nepotism.