ABSTRACT Objective:

To determine the factors that influence physical activity (PA) participation among secondary school learners in the Hlanganani rural area of Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Methods:

A quantitative approach was used to examine factors that influence PA involvement among 151 students (mean age: 18.14 ± 1.81 years) attending three rural public secondary schools in the Hlanganani rural area of Limpopo Province, South Africa, who volunteered to participate in the study. Data were collected using validated structured questionnaires.

Results:

Overall, the results indicated that preferring to do other things with their time, exercise is too hard, unsafe environment, and the lack of facilities and time to exercise were cited as major factors that deterred the students from participating in PA.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study provide practical implications for promoting students' participation in PA in rural schools. It is recommended that schools should be provided with sport facilities that are proximal and safe for students. Additionally, PA programmes should be promoted through campaigns that would motivate more students to participate in view of its potential health benefits.