MPUMALANGA – All Mpumalanga schools and parents have been urged to play a conducive role in ensuring that the forthcoming elections for members of the School Governing Body (SGB) are peaceful, free, fair, and transparent. The SGB elections will take place this year from 1 to 31 March in all public schools.
When addressing chairpersons and secretaries of SGBs from the Gert Sibande and Nkangala Districts at HTS Middelburg on Wednesday morning, MEC Bonakele requested schools to communicate with parents to emphasize the significance of the elections and to collaborate with them from the outset to ensure full participation. He added that his department has already finalized several due processes. “This includes, but is not limited to, the development of the Management Plan, identification and appointment of Provincial and District Electoral Officers, and consultations with the Associations of School Governing Bodies,” he said. “Everything humanly possible will be done from the department’s side to ensure that the process remains democratic, free, and fair for everyone.”
Majuba further emphasized the need for the election of legitimate individuals who have the school’s best interests at heart. “We must, therefore, guard against instances where people will be elected to pursue their own selfish ends, to divide the school, and to manipulate the school’s funds for their own interests,” he said. “We request that those expected to hand over the reins do so in a smooth and peaceful manner.”
According to the Department of Basic Education, parents, educators, learners in grade 8 or higher, and members of staff, excluding educators, can be elected to the SGB for a term of 3 years. “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,” stated Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga.
