Lerato Mbhiza
MEC of Education in Gauteng Matome Chiloane officially launched the 2024 School Governing Body (SGB) Elections on Wednesday, at Raymond Mhlaba Maths, Science & ICT School of Specialisation in Tshepisong, Roodepoort and urged the SGB members to appreciate the importance of parental participation in school governance
Every three years, schools in South Africa are expected to elect new SGB members, and the tenth cycle of elections will take place from 1 – 31 March 2024 at all public, ordinary, and special schools throughout Gauteng.
Chiloane said the parents need to ensure they elect people who have the best interest of the school in the upcoming elections.
“Don’t elect people who will cause confusion in schools,” he cautioned.
He added that all schools are urged to adhere to the current regulations and procedures established for conducting SGB elections as outlined in GENERAL NOTICE 786 of 1997.
Chiloane said SGBs serve as guardians and caretakers of the school and set the school culture and climate.
“The SGB election launch determines the school’s vision and mission, values and ethos, and policies,” he said while reminding the parents that SGB is established to ensure quality education for all learners at the school.
“We have every reason to have so much faith in our SGB’s because, upon election, our governors go through several developmental programs by Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance to ensure that they are fit for purpose,” he said.
On challenges faced by the school, Chiloane said SGB needs to find new ways to help the school, such as cleaning the premises and finding people to help patrol the facility if there is a crime taking place..
The SGB chairperson of Thulani secondary Nkosinathi Thwala said the coming elections are coming at a time where schools have difficulties such as school learners killing each other learners and shooting principals.
Thwala said members of SGBs need help from the parents to join hands with the school. SGB is in order to have a school that’s functional .
“We need help as pupils misbehave, such as fighting after school. We need parents to join hands with parents to reduce this situation”.
Noxolo Mtetwa from Slovoville primary school SGB Treasure said they welcomed the elections of which will bring new members of SGB
Makie Mtonga from Westridge High School said they need to move parents to be involved, and in her school, they need all parents to be involved in the school performance.
“It needs school governance parents and SGB .. The challenges that we face, such as school learners misbehaving in school and when you call parents in parents, don’t show up for meetings “
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