Finances remain one of the biggest challenges facing public schools in South Africa. The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS) is a leader in school governance, and financial management remains one of the components that FEDSAS is consulted on most by school governing bodies. This expertise is now available in book-form as part of the latest publication involving FEDSAS staff. The book Financial Management in Public Schools: A practical guide to legislative compliance was launched at the International Education Law Conference today (Monday, 04 September 2017).

“All schools, irrespective of their environment, have unique financial challenges. The unique management model of public schools as determined by the Schools’ Act requires governing bodies to maintain a fine balance in terms of the management of a school’s finances,” says Dr Jaco Deacon, Deputy CEO of FEDSAS and Managing Editor of the book. Other FEDSAS experts that were involved as contributors are the CEO, Mr Paul Colditz, Dr Jean van Rooyen, FEDSAS’ Gauteng manager, Mrs Suzaan Mellet, FEDSAS’ Manager: Support Services, Ms Juané van der Merwe, legal officer, Dr Derek Swemmer, CEO of the FEDSAS Institute for School Governance, and Mr Riaan van der Bergh, FEDSAS’ Manager: Education Technology.

Deacon says the aim of the book is to provide an overview of the most important aspects pertaining to school finances. “The book explains the practical implications and is indispensable for school governing bodies, principals and a school’s financial officer.” Education officials can also benefit from the publication, and this is why the first copy was handed over to the Director-General of the Department of Basic Education, Mr Mathanzima Mweli.

“The book was written by experts in the field of school governance and finances and can also be used in a broader sense by legal practitioners, accountants and auditors that support schools in an advisory capacity,” says Deacon. The content covers, amongst others, aspects such as the roleplayers in financial management, financial reporting, budgeting, determining and managing school fees, risk management and technology. Financial Management in Public Schools: A practical guide to legislative compliance is published by Juta Law.
 
PHOTO: From left to right are Ms Juané van der Merwe (FEDSAS legal officer), Mr Riaan van den Bergh (FEDSAS’s Manager: Education Technology), Mr Mathanzima Mweli (Director-General of Basic Education), Dr Jaco Deacon (Deputy CEO of FEDSAS), Mrs Suzaan Mellet (FEDSAS’s Manager: Support Services) and Dr Jean van Rooyen (FEDSAS’ Gauteng Manager).