Elections for the upcoming 2024 SGB opens in March

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has called on eligible stakeholders, parents, teachers, non-teaching staff, learners in high schools, and community members to participate and have their say in the upcoming 2024 School Governing Body (SGB) Elections.

COURTESY: Department of Basic Education

The SGB is a statutory body, who seek to work together to promote the well-being and effectiveness of the school community and thereby enhance learning and teaching.

Motshekga was speaking during the launch of the 2024 SGB Elections Campaign in Pretoria on Monday.

‘’The actual SGB elections will be held from 01-31 March 2024 in all ordinary public schools. By law, we are required to conduct elections for SGBs every three years. Our motivations, except for the legal injunction, are grounded in both evidence and aspiration.’’

‘’Research has consistently shown that schools with active SGBs excel across various metrics, including academic performance, learner well-being, and community engagement. The correlation between engaged SGBs and school success is undeniable. Schools with high SGB participation report an average 20% higher pass rate than those with lower engagement.

‘’Additionally, incidents of vandalism and truancy decrease significantly in schools with active governing bodies. These are not just numbers—they are compelling evidence of the power of active participation. Our vision is for every school to harness this potential, translating active governance into tangible outcomes for our children.’’

Motshekga says the campaign, entitled "Empower, Engage, Educate", aims to integrate both digital and traditional media,

‘’We intend to reach every corner of our society. From rural townships to bustling urban centres, our message is clear: your voice shapes the future. Knowledge is at the heart of empowerment. Our campaign will provide comprehensive resources on the roles and significance of SGBs, the election process, and how every individual can contribute. Workshops, informational pamphlets, and an interactive website will serve as conduits for this essential knowledge.’’

‘’Dialogue fosters understanding. We will initiate conversations across communities, creating platforms for questions, discussions, and sharing ideas. These dialogues will bridge gaps, dispel myths, and build a shared vision for our schools.’’

‘’By law, School Governing Bodies are the backbone of our school communities. They ensure our schools are not merely institutions of learning but beacons of hope, character, and community spirit. Their impact is profound and far-reaching, with roles encompassing financial management, policy formulation, and staff appointment,’’ said the Minister.

COURTESY: Department of Basic Education

Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga highlighted the importance of active participation. She admitted that past participation rates, at about 40% have not matched the department’s aspirations

‘’The upcoming elections carry immense weight. They represent not just an exercise in democracy but an opportunity for parents, educators, and community members to join hands and contribute to improving our schools. With this responsibility comes a clarion call: it's time to raise our voices and shape the education we envision for our children. Transparency and inclusivity are our guiding principles to ensure every voice is heard.’’

‘’We invite all eligible stakeholders – parents, teachers, non-teaching staff, learners (in high schools), and community members – to participate and have their say. Your voice matters.’’

Motshekga emphasised that the upcoming elections needs participation

‘’As we launch this campaign, I call upon each of you—parents, teachers, learners, and community members—to join us in this crucial endeavour. Engage with the process, educate yourselves and others, and most importantly, exercise your right to vote. Your involvement is not just a contribution but a testament to your commitment to the future of our nation's children.’’

The Basic Education Minister says acts of corruption within the SGBs are at a minimum.

‘’it is a general problem. In the main, where you have a good SGB that is accountable. There are people in SGBs in three different schools, and sometimes when we give schools funds, you hear its gone. What is a big worry for me, is disengaged SGBs – if I go to school and there’s no SGB representative. We want parents to take care of the schools.’’

Throughout this month, the Department of Basic Education will share detailed information on the electoral process, nomination procedures, and critical dates.

Done by: Mitchum George