Restructuring school governance : the changing leadership role of the principal in a democratic decision-making milieu

Abstract

With the advent of democracy in South Africa, education has undergone major changes. One of these changes seeks to entrench democratic management and governance in schools. In terms of section 16 of the South African Schools Act of 1996 the governance of public school is vested in the governing body, but the professional management must be undertaken by the principal under the authority of the Head of Department. Parents are not involved in the teaching and learning domain. This study investigated the leadership role of the principal in the management and governance of the public schools in the Ekurhuleni East Education District (Gauteng Province). The data were obtained through a structured questionnaire and the stakeholder participation grid. Respondents were principals from the primary and secondary schools. It is recommended that consideration be given to the ongoing capacity building of the SGB's so that they give better, efficient and effective service.