Indigenous Storytelling and Low-Cost Digital Tools as Behaviour Guidance Strategies in Rural Limpopo Classrooms
Tendani Nesengani · Shonisani Mulovhedzi ORCID ↗
International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy · 2026 · Vol. 8 / Issue 4 · 581-595
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Abstract
Rural African classrooms continue to face persistent behavioural challenges, yet many schools still rely on reactive and punitive discipline approaches that are culturally misaligned and inconsistently implemented. This study examines how Indigenous African storytelling, rooted in Afrocentric epistimologies and Ubuntu rational ethics, can be integrated with low-cost digital usage to create a culturally grounded, scalable behavior-guidance model for resource-constrained Limpopo classrooms. Using a convergent mixed-methods design, the study draws on classroom observations, teacher and elder interviews, learner groups, and digital use records collected across several rural primary schools. Findings show that indigenous storytelling effectively communicates behavioural expectations by strengthening learner identity, supporting emotional regulation and reinforcing communal norms. Simple digital tools such as offline stories, WhatsApp messages, and SMS caregiver reminders extend these lessons into the home context and enhance continuity. The combined approach led to improved learner engagement, reduced behavioural disruptions, a more positive classroom climate, and a stronger home environment and school communication. The study demonstrates that embedding indigenous storytelling within an accessible digital reinforcement structure that provides a culturally congruent, humanizing, and feasible behavior support model for rural African schools. It contributes to scholarly conversations on decolonial education, culturally responsive pedagogy, and inclusive behaviour frameworks by illustrating how traditional knoewledge systems and morden technologies can work together to promote learner well-being and classroom harmony.
Keywords: {'name': 'Indigenous storytelling; Ubuntu pedagogy; digital tools; culturally responsive classroom management; decolonial education'}
Authors & affiliations
Tendani Nesengani
University of Venda
Shonisani Mulovhedzi
University of Venda
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