The specific problem I wish to investigate is the inadequate integration of physical education within South Africa's Life Orientation curriculum, which compromises students' holistic development and well-being. Research indicates that only 49% of schools in South Africa offer physical education as a part of their curriculum, with various barriers including limited resources, lack of training for educators, and insufficient emphasis on physical education in educational policy (Department of Basic Education, 2020).
The necessity for this research stems from the increasing prevalence of sedentary lifestyles among South African youth, potentially leading to significant health concerns such as obesity and mental health issues. According to the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 27% of children aged 2 to 14 years are classified as overweight or obese (Shisana et al., 2020). As an educator with multiple years of experience in different school settings, I have witnessed firsthand the lack of sufficient physical activity opportunities for students, emphasizing the critical need for a well-integrated physical education program.
Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the challenges surrounding the integration of physical education in South Africa's Life Orientation curriculum in order to identify barriers and how best to address them, hence, the exploration of "Challenges of Integrating Physical Education in South Africa’s Life Orientation Curriculum."
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