HAZING OF GRADE 8 BOYS AS PART OF ORIENTATION PROGRAMMES IN
SOUTH AFRICAN MONASTIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS
By
CAROLYN ANN HUYSAMER
ABSTRACT
Hazing is a universal practice. The process is multi-dimensional and includes both positive
and negative aspects. Hazing broadly refers to the negative aspects of what newcomers
experience as they integrate into a group. This study focuses on hazing during orientation
programmes for Grade 8 boys in monastic secondary schools in South Africa. The problem
was investigated by a literature study and a survey using a self-designed questionnaire. It was
completed by a non-probability sample of 296 Grade 12 boys from three selected schools in
Gauteng Province. Data measured the biographical attributes of respondents and determined
their opinions of activities engaged in during the orientation programmes. Findings indicated
that respondents were positive about the orientation programme which acts as an introduction
into secondary school and is a means whereby traditions are transmitted. Respondents were
very opposed to any injurious activity. The objectives of orientation programmes are wellgrounded but when they deteriorate into hazing, they are very negatively perceived.
Excerpt:
In the 1970s and 1980s high school students began to search for ways to mark their transition
into adulthood. The activities which they introduced resembled the brutality of university
hazing. By the 1990s hazing at high schools had spread across the US and was a common
practice (Stophazing.org). Hazing during this time has been extensively documented with
Hank Nuwer being a world leader in documenting the extensive hazing events which have
taken place in the US. During this time it maintained the trends which had been established in
previous years. While the flavour of the hazing changed, the fundamental principles remained
unchanged. Hanson (2004:12) state that hazing has become more violent and sexually
orientated in recent times.” This in spite of the fact that hazing in fraternities was forbidden in
1989 (Sterner 2005:7). This is recurring trend in the literature on hazing: once it becomes too
extreme, it is legislated against. What follows is a period of quiet which leads to the reemergence of the practice.
The death rate at universities across the globe continues to rise …
