All systems GO for the 2018 SGB Elections
It is uncontested that School Governing Bodies (SGBs) play a crucial role in the success of schools. Schools with effective and efficient SGB members are most likely to secure greater success than those with limited parental and community involvement. Creative and resourceful SGBs play a fundamental role in mobilising scarce resources for education.
The very first function of a School Governing Body as enshrined in section 20 subsection (1) paragraph (a) of the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996, as amended is to “promote the best interest of the school and strive to ensure its development through the provision of quality education for all learners at the school”.
Therefore, there is a very strong connection between our core mandate as the Department of Education and that of the School Governing Bodies. Thus, it becomes quite critical that, as important stakeholders in education, we always operate with this understanding in mind.
The National Department of Basic Education declared that the 2018 SGB Elections must be held from 1 to 31 March. The elections of members of the SGB’s takes place every three years, with the last elections being held in 2015. SGBs in the Northern Cape are now approaching the expiry of their term of office.
The Department of Education in the province has put systems in place to ensure that the 2018 SGB 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. The training of provincial, district and school electoral officers are completed.
We would also like to thank all the outgoing governing body members for their selfless commitment and contribution in the governance of schools in the Northern Cape. You have demonstrated in no uncertain terms, a sense of patriotism by accepting to work as volunteers in support of quality education. And you have indeed, discharged your civic duty with credibility.
We still have quite a number of governance challenges though. And these include but are in no way limited to the following:
· Dysfunctionality of certain schools and;
· Resorting to Self-help - this refers to situations where some SGB members who take the law into their own hands.
We need School Governing Bodies that will support curriculum delivery. We need to focus on the improvement of learner achievement by supporting schools in developing strategies for improving teaching and learning.
As part of our election strategy, the Department of Education will arrange induction workshops for newly elected governing bodies. This will help the members to familiarize them with their roles and responsibilities. It is in line with section 19 of the South African Schools Act.
We expect school governing bodies to fully grasp their roles in schools. The importance of the SGBs is to understand your roles and responsibilities in the management of the school, as it cannot be over-emphasized.
SGBs are not elected to deal with the day to day running of the school as it is the function of the School Management Team. SGBs are responsible for policy issues and management of school finances, ensuring the safety of schools and other broader functions that result in the overall functionality of the school as an institution where quality teaching and learning is pervasive. Any disruptions of teaching and learning of ANY class and ANY schools must be avoided at all costs.
The 2018 School Governing Body Elections will take place, under the theme: “SGB’s changing the Education Landscape”, and we appeal to all members of society to make yourself available for nomination, attend meetings and participate in the SGB elections. Parents are once again reminded to ensure their details are on the school's admission register, which will be used as the school's voter's roll. Take note, NO parent will be allowed to take part in the SGB elections should their names not reflect the school's admission register. The IEC have the same requirements during the National and Provincial Elections. Have your ID document, drivers license ready, as you will be required to produce it on the day of the parent component election.
This is your chance as a parent and member of the community to make a difference in your schools.
Let us be part of the change!
Let us be the change we want to see in our schools!
End.