The national elections may be around the corner, but Minister David Maynier is urging parents first to help elect their children’s school governing body (SGB).
The MEC for Education urged all parents and caregivers to take part in the 2024 elections, which are due to take place over the next few weeks. The SGB represents all sectors of the school community, including parents, teachers, non-teaching staff and learners from Grade 8 to 12.
“They have a long list of responsibilities and decision-making powers on various areas,” the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) explained on Wednesday, “such as the school’s admission policy, language policy, the formulation of the school’s constitution and mission statement, the code of conduct and disciplinary procedures, the budget and financial management, recommending staff appointments, and supporting the principal, teachers and other staff.”
SGB elections can be undertaken manually, electronically or by using both methods.
In the case of a manual election, schools may allocate time slots showing when parents may visit the school to cast their vote physically.
Voting must take place over one full day, which may not start earlier than 07:00 and may not end later than 20:00. A manual voting station must be open for a minimum of five hours.
For an e-election, voting may be open for the full day, from 07:00 to 20:00. Schools that decide to have an e-election are required to set up at least one e-voting station at the school to make provision for those who cannot vote online from elsewhere.
Parents will nominate candidates for the voters’ roll prior to their school’s election.
While governing body members are not required to have formal qualifications it is beneficial to have parents with integrity, dedication and commitment. Knowledge of financial management, legal processes and maintenance are particularly useful, given the kinds of decisions SGBs must make and the responsibilities they are entrusted with.
“We urge parents to participate fully in the voting process on the dates communicated by their schools and to select candidates who have the best interests of their children at heart,” the departement urged.
- Information on the governing body elections is available at: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/governing-body-elections
