The Mpumalanga Education Department has raised concerns about schools that have not yet conducted their School Governing Body Elections (SGB).
The Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga proclaimed that the elections must take place in the month of March. However, despite the time frame that has been put in place to enable the process of training and induction for the newly elected members to seamlessly begin in April 2024, some schools in Mpumalanga have not even begun the election process.
Gerald Sambo of Mpumalanga Department of Basic Education said to The Curriculum, “Out of 1649 public schools in the province, 1580 managed to hold the elections and only 69 are yet to conduct their elections.”
The provincial education department has urged schools to finalize their elections saying, “It is very crucial for school communities to note that the term of office for the current SGBs is coming to an end on the 31st of March 2024 and it is only the newly elected members who will be recognized as legitimate structures as of 01 April 2024.”
Mpumalanga MEC for Education Bonakele Majuba weighed on the subject highlighting the imperativeness of the role of the SGB.
“School Governing Bodies are instrumental in shaping the educational environment of our schools, from curriculum design and school policies to infrastructure development and the appointment of staff members. By actively participating and making informed choices, parents and school communities can ensure that schools are led by individuals who are elected through the prescribed legislative framework and committed to fostering an environment where all the learners and teachers can thrive. I therefore, call upon the schools that are yet to hold their elections of SGB’s to do so without delay,” said Majuba.
The Department made reference to Section 20 of the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996 as amended, which determines various functions applicable to all SGBs, saying that it is essential for communities to understand the profound impact the school governing bodies have on the operation and culture of the schools, and ultimately on the quality of the education the learners receive.
Sambo concluded by saying, “Failure to meet the proclaimed deadline will also result in a delay in the transfer of funds to the affected schools until the Head of Department has established interim structures.”