From formulating policies to ensuring that there are strict disciplinary measures in place at schools, the important role that School Governing Bodies (SGB) play, cannot be disputed.
Principal Hector Mushwana of Phomolong Secondary School has expressed his excitement in anticipation of the upcoming SGB elections that will be held at across many schools in the country from 1 to 31 March 2024. The school will be holding its SGB elections between the 14th and 19th of next month.
The structure consists of teachers, parents, non-teaching staff and learners who are purposed to enhance teaching and learning through innovative ideas that promote the effectiveness of the school community.
Ntombodidi Mxi, the school’s Deputy SGB Chairperson explains that SGBs are important because they are entities that draft policies which govern the school, draft the school’s budget for efficiency and effectiveness and also contribute to the Learning and Teaching Support Material (LTSM).
“Above all, the SGB is the mediator between parents and teachers. Learners in high school are at the pinnacle of their adolescent stage, therefore disciplinary measures should be strengthened and that’s where the SGB also comes in,” Mxi added.
Mushwana weighed in by explaining that the role of Principals within the SGB is to represent the employer of the educators, community members who are stakeholders that do not form part of the SGB and to mediate policies emanating from either national or provincial government as a resource person to ensure that members of the SGB have a clear understanding of what they entail regardless of the level of their education.
He mentioned that the above functions of the SGB unfortunately come with a number of challenges – including conflicts that may arise within the governing body itself.
“Sometimes the reason for conflict stems from misunderstanding of the roles that members are to play and serve. If roles are explicitly stated and a line is drawn between governance and management, other schools will also function without any conflicts like our school has been. SGB members should understand their role of governance, while the Principal and the School Management Team (SMT) understands their role of managing the school and the two work hand-in-hand, aligned with the policies,” Mushwana said.
The pair have encouraged community members, especially parents with learners in the school to be a part of the SGB elections so that they can be informed and have a better understanding of the policies that govern the schools at which their children are enrolled.
“Parents’ participation in the SGB is very pivotal because it contributes to the success of the school performance. Parents ought to understand that the harmony that exists amongst the school management staff and the SGB is what leads to the sustainability of good results,” Mushwana said.
Mxi also added that the role of SGB includes that of raising funds in order to run projects such as feeding schemes for learners during extra classes as the school feeding scheme is only restricted to lessons occurring between Monday and Friday. These funds also assist in giving incentives to tutors who assist learners during extra lessons.
“Being a member of the SGB is a voluntary initiative, we do not receive any salary, however witnessing our learners transition from high school into the employment sector and being key players there gives us joy and satisfaction,” Mxi said.