Public schools across the country have begun the School Governing Body (SGB) elections with communities urged to take part. The elections take place throughout the March under the theme: “Accelerating access to quality education through effective governance.
According to research released by the Department of Basic Education (DBE), schools with active SGBs excel across various metrics, including academic performance, learner well-being, and community engagement. This is one of the reasons why provincial departments are encouraging participation in the elections.
“School Governing Bodies are the backbone of the school communities. Schools are not merely institutions of learning, but beacons of hope, character and community spirit,” Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga said last month at the national launch of the SGB elections.
Provincial MECs, joined by a range of stakeholders in the education sector, have pledged their commitment towards this year’s elections. Mpumalanga Education MEC, Bonakele Majuba, said SGBs stand in a position of trust in schools because they play a significant role in ensuring schools are governed in a manner that advances the interest of learners and their teachers.
At Gauteng’s official launch of the SGB elections, Matome Chiloane, the province’s Education and Youth Development MEC, signed a pledge for transparency and inclusivity with the SGB associations. He encouraged parents and guardians to play their part in ensuring the successful governance of their children’s schools by voting in the during the SGB elections.
“It is through good governance that we can guarantee integrity and efficiency of governing regulations,” he said.
Zolile Monakali who is the Education MEC in the Northern Cape province, expressed their readiness for the elections saying they have put systems in place to ensure that the elections are run smoothly and in accordance with the principles of democracy- transparency, non-racism, non-sexism, accountability and most importantly- with the responsibility they deserve.
“Let the elections be conducted in the interests of education – freely and without intimidation.” These are the words of Limpopo MEC for Education, Mavhungu Lerule Ramakhanya.
At the North West launch, Chief Education Specialist, Boitumelo Moeng, outlined the general administrative and legislative framework of the SGB, highlighting how the SGB is the voice of the school, therefore its procedures are governed by regulations derived from the laws stated in the Constitution of South Africa such as the South African Schools Act of 1984 as amended.
“Have a say in who speaks for your child. Governing bodies take decisions on a range of important issues like the admission policy and managing the finances of a school. Nominate candidates that will ensure good governance at your child’s school,” the Western Cape department of Education has urged communities and those who will be taking part in the elections.
The Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape education departments also launched the SGB elections and the unified message across all provinces is that taking part, getting involved and exercising the right to vote will be in the best interest of parents, guardians and all who form part of the school community.
“My call to action is simple yet powerful: get involved. Whether you choose to stand for election or cast your vote, your contribution holds immense significance. It will not only impact the lives of our children but also shape the future of our nation,” Motshekga said.