Contributing factors to unexcused teacher absenteeism in Adult and Community Education and Training centres
Ronnie Risimati Maceke, Thulani Andrew Chauke & Elvis Modikela Nkoana
Abstract
This study aimed to explore factors that contribute to unexcused teacher absenteeism in Adult Community Education and Training (ACET) centres in Johannesburg, South Africa. This study employed an exploratory qualitative design to investigate the underlying causes of unexcused teacher absenteeism. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observations, and document analysis, enabling triangulation and depth of insight. The sample included nine participants, centre managers and teachers from three purposively selected ACET centres. The small sample size of nine participants, all from one area (Johannesburg), limits the generalisability of the findings to other contexts. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Ethical protocols were strictly followed, including informed consent, verbal explanation of study procedures, and adherence to the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 to ensure confidentiality and anonymity. Findings revealed that absenteeism is influenced by a combination of personal (e.g., alcoholism, illness, family responsibilities), socio-economic, and institutional factors. Weak monitoring systems and insufficient support from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) further exacerbated the issue. The study recommends continuous professional development for centre managers in leadership and conflict resolution, as well as targeted workshops to familiarise educators with leave policies and consequences of non-compliance.
Keywords
adult learning centre, centre manager, contribution, leave policy, management team
Author information & Contribution
Ronnie Risimati Maceke. Master of Education in Adult Education, Ph.D candidate at the University of South Africa. Email: macekeronnie@gmail.com
Thulani Andrew Chauke. Corresponding author. Doctor of Education, Senior Lecturer, University of South Africa. Email: chaukt2@unisa.ac.za
Elvis Modikela Nkoana. Doctorate in Environnemental sciences. Associate Professor, University of Limpopo. Email: nkoana.elvis6@gmail.com
"All authors equally contributed to the conception, design, preparation, data gathering and analysis, and writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript."
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Funding
This work was not supported by any funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement
This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines set by University of South Africa. The conduct of this study has been approved and given relative clearance(s) by University of South Africa.
AI Declaration
AI tools were not used in writing this paper.
Notes
Acknowledgement
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Cite this article:
Maceke, R.R., Chauke, T.A. & Nkoana, E.M. (2025). Contributing factors to unexcused teacher absenteeism in Adult and Community Education and Training centres. International Journal of Educational Management and Development Studies, 6(3), 102-131. https://doi.org/10.53378/ijemds.353241
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