Following the successful run of School Governing Body (SGB) elections that ran through the province in March, Gauteng Department of Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi inaugurated more than
12 000 newly elected SGB members.
While addressing the school principals and the elected SGB members at the inauguration ceremony at the Dome in Northriding, Lesufi emphasised that the members should focus their energy in what happens in classrooms. “Seeing to it that our children receive quality education should be your main focus. As the SGB you must deal and question teacher absentism and ensure that good teachers are not lost,” said Lesufi. He highlighted that political affiliation, or being part of certain teacher unions or serving certain committees within the community was not the way to recruit teachers. “You as the SGB need to be part of the recruitment of teachers and see to it that teachers in your schools are skilled, committed, competent and also have the relevant qualifications.”
He continued, “Gone are the days of those who manipulated the system get promoted and good teachers would be lost,” vowed Lesufi.
He added that the SGB members must see to it that the administration at different schools was run efficiently and ensure that no one jumps the queue. This he made in reference to the 2016 school registration period that is open across the province.
Lesufi also announced that there is a SGB resolution dispute council which will deal with all disputes within the SGBs and principals or teachers. Chief executive officer at the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership Dr More Chakane spoke to the SGB members about their roles and responsibilities. He encouraged them to allow all children into schools. To support and tolerate all religions and promote a non-racialism. “You must strive to improve the quality of education and ensure that there is good governance within our schools,” said Chakane. He added that with all this put into action, SGB members will be able to meet the expectations of parents and schools will serve the interest of all communities.
