KARABO NTANZI
The Northern Cape Department of Basic Education has called on the new School Governing Bodies (SGB) to prioritize learner support.
The Department indicated the need for governing bodies that will be part of the solution. Five hundred and fifty-four (554) public schools in the Northern Cape successfully participated in the 2024 SGB elections held recently, under the theme, “Advancing teaching and learning through collaboration and good governance.”
The Department urged elected SGB committees to work with them and develop strategies for improving teaching and learning, “As part of our election strategy, the Department of Education will arrange induction workshops for all newly elected governing bodies. SGBs operate according to the Code of Conduct. The workshop will help members to familiarise themselves with their roles and responsibilities. The induction will cover this area quite extensively because we need governing bodies that are going to be part of a solution,” according to a statement from the Department of Education.
The Department expects school governing bodies to grasp their roles. It should be noted that SGBs are not elected to deal with the day-to-day running of the school. That responsibility lies with 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 takes priority. Disruptions of teaching and learning in schools must be avoided at all costs.
The department urges parents and community members, even if they are not elected into the SGB, to continue playing an oversight role and ensure that good governance standards are maintained and upheld at all times.
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