The MEC for the Department of Education (DoE), Bonakele Majuba, recently outlined the responsibilities of the newly elected members of school governing bodies (SGBs).

These members were democratically elected to serve in the governance of schools within Mpumalanga for the next three years.

According to the MEC, the members have been given an opportunity to be part of government’s drive to improve learning outcomes and reach the goal of providing quality education in schools.

They are expected to ensure that schools are governed in the best interest of all stakeholders, especially learners, and to always put the best interest of the school before any personal interests.
He said the department will commence with the orientation programme for all the newly elected members to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities.

“As per the South African Schools Act no 84 of 1996, they must promote the best interest of the school and ensure its development. They have to adopt a constitution setting out how the SGB will operate, a mission statement for the school and a code of conduct for learners which sets out disciplinary procedures.

They have to help the principal, educators and other staff members to perform their professional functions, decide on school policy, including admissions, language and finance, and administer and control the property of the school, buildings and grounds. They have to encourage parents, learners, educators and other staff members at the school and offer voluntary services.

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“We will soon start with an induction programme as a form of building capacity,” he explained.

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Majuba added that the DoE appreciated the outgoing SGB members for the good service they had rendered, and requested them to officially hand over the reins of governance to the new members in a transparent and peaceful manner.