Public schools urged to conduct SGB elections

The Department of Basic Education is urging all public schools to finalise plans to conduct 2024 School Governing Body (SGB) elections this month.

Education department spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga said the SGB elections should be carried out between March 1 to 31 in all ordinary public schools.

Mhlanga said by law, they are required to conduct elections for SGBs every three years.

He said the elections carry immense weight, saying that their motivations, except for the legal injunction, are grounded in both evidence and aspiration.

Mhlanga said the elections represent not just an exercise in democracy but an opportunity for parents, educators, and community members to join hands and contribute to improving schools.

“The Department of Basic Education stands firmly committed to conducting these elections with unwavering integrity. Research has consistently shown that schools with active SGBs excel across various metrics, including academic performance, learner wellbeing, and community engagement. Parents, teachers and staff who are involved in schools are urged to also avail themselves to participate. Either you avail yourself to be elected or elect somebody, but the most important message is that each person involved in the school is urged to take an active interest in the affairs of the school by attending the meetings and making sure that on election day, you play your part so that your voice can be heard,” said Mhlanga.

Mhlanga added that SGBs are the backbone of school communities, saying that they ensure that schools are not merely institutions of learning but beacons of hope, character and community spirit.

He said their impact is profound and far-reaching, with roles encompassing financial management, policy formulation and staff appointment.

Mhlanga said in KZN, where they witnessed a remarkable improvement in results, the unwavering support of SGBs played a pivotal role.

He said this was a testament to the immense power of active and engaged school communities.

“Our schools are the bedrock of society, nurturing the minds and futures of children and our entire nation. They are not mere structures but vibrant knowledge, growth, and empowerment hubs. At the heart of this dynamism lie the SGBs – the unsung heroes who bridge the gap between communities and classrooms, working tirelessly to build environments where every child can flourish. We invite all eligible stakeholders – parents, teachers, non-teaching staff, learners (in high schools), and community members – to participate and have their say. Through these elections, we can influence policies and decisions that will guide our educational landscape for years to come,” he said.

He added: “Remember, in the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Together, let us wield this weapon responsibly through the 2024 SGB elections.”

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