Public Schools across the country have heeded the Department of Basic Education’s call to host School Governing Body (SGB) elections from the beginning of March, however in some schools, this process has not been so successful.
The SGB is a statutory body made of parents, teachers and learners and according to the department, its role is to ensure that the school is governed in the best interest of all stakeholders. It is there to make certain that the school is growing and developing. involved in decision making, policy formulations, school finances and planning among many other things.
Do parents prioritize and understand the importance of the SGB elections?
Since the beginning of the elections, two schools that The Curriculum visited to oversee how they run their elections, had to reschedule due to poor attendance by parents. There are possibly even more schools experiencing the same. For the elections to proceed in accordance with the rules, the attendance of parents must be at least 15% of the number of parents at the school and above.
Basic Education spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, said there are various reasons why parents do not attend the elections, including other commitments they may have, living far from their children and perhaps being low on funds to travel to the schools. Mhlanga added that lack of compensation may also contribute to the factors that discourage parents from participating in the elections.
“The awareness is there but socio-economic factors have an impact on the participation of people in the SGB,” Mhlanga said.
Director for Planning and Implementation Support at the department, James Ndlebe, has encouraged parents to participate in the elections and be part of the committee. Ndlebe said that parents might not be aware that being part of the SGB contributes positively to their child’s school performance.
“Parents need to take responsibility for their own children and safeguard the future of their children. Parents stand up! We want you as you are,” Ndlebe said.
Tshepiso Madisa, a parent of a Grade 3 learner, says that she is very disappointed that parents are not committed to being involved in the affairs of the school. Madisa said it is very discouraging for parents to continue attending school meetings when others are not cooperative.
“I am unemployed and spent taxi fare to come to the meeting, only for it to be postponed. I am not sure if I will avail myself for the next one because I do not know if parents will be present or the meeting will be canceled again,” Madisa said.
The SGB elections will run until the 31st of March 2024.