School Governing Bodies (SGBs)

• What is a School Governing Body?
• Who participates in the SGB?
• What are the functions of the SGB?
• Parental rights and responsibilities

The School Governing Body (SGB) is a statutory body of parents, educators, non-teaching staff and learners (from Grade 8 or higher) who seek to work together to promote the well-being and effectiveness of the school community and thereby enhance learning and teaching. Section 20 of the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996 as amended (SASA) determines various functions applicable to all SGBs. SGBs may also request “additional functions" as listed in section 21 of SASA from the Head of Department in each province. The provincial minister of education may also confer these additional functions (listed in section 21 of SASA) upon schools if he/she so determines and is satisfied that the SGBs concerned have the capacity to perform such functions effectively.

The SGB consists of:

• the school principal
• elected representatives (parents, educators, other staff members, and learners in grade 8 or above)
• optional co-opted members who do not have the right to vote (for example, members of the community, or the owner of the school property).

You can represent other parents on an SGB if you are nominated and voted for by the parents. The majority of voting members of the SGB must be parents.

The principal will provide parents with information about SGB elections.

The governing body must:

• Decide on an admissions policy for the school.
• Decide on the language policy of the school.
• Decide on what religious practices will be followed at the school.
• Adopt a code of conduct for learners which sets out disciplinary procedures.

All these decisions and policies must be in line with national policies.

The SGB must also:

• Adopt a constitution setting out how the SGB will operate.
• Adopt a school mission statement setting out the values and beliefs of the school.
• Decide the times of the school day.
• Administer the school's property, buildings and grounds.
• Make recommendations regarding the appointment of educators at the school.

In addition, a governing body can be given any of these functions:

• maintaining and improving the school's property, buildings and grounds
• deciding on the extramural curriculum and the choice of subject options according to provincial curriculum policy
• buying textbooks, educational material and/or equipment for the school
• paying for services to the school.

The WCED supports SGBs by advising them on their responsibilities and providing training in financial management.

All parents whose children are registered at school have roles and responsibilities. Even if you are not elected onto the school governing body, you still have the right to be involved in the affairs of the school by attending meetings of parents.

You also have the right to be consulted by the educators or the principal about the schooling activities of your child. The principal and the educators at the school must inform you about the behaviour, attendance and learning progress of you child.

For more information, contact:

Makhosandile Ndzuzo
Tel: 021 467 2311
Fax: 021 467 2653
Makhosandile.Ndzuzo@westerncape.gov.za

Or call your school-based development advisor at your District Office.