A Comparative Analysis of Substance Abuse Amongst Graden 11 And 12 Learners in Selected Secondary Schools in the Thohoyandou Area of Limpopo, South Africa

One of the prominent advantages of the new dispensation in South Africa is the increase in research undertaken in rural and deep rural communities. The article presents results of the research in one of rural provinces — Venda. The substance abuse patterns in two selected secondary schools were compared as well as the influence it had on delinquent behaviour. The study is a self-report survey with 120 participants of both genders in grade 11 and 12. The questionnaire that was used comprised multiple choice questions such as the types of substances and also Likert scale type questions. The data was analysed by using the Statistical Package for The Social Sciences. Being the first ever research of this nature conducted at the selected schools, the study is exploratory in nature but nonetheless is also at the applicative levels as it attempts to arrive at knowledge that will assist in controlling substance abuse at the schools in the area. The school as an instrument of development and socialization should play an enormously important role in preparing the youth for their future and how that is used to the benefit of society at large. At the same time it is commonly known the abuse of substances in all types and levels of schools is increasing tremendously amongst learners in South Africa.