The South African Standard for School Principalship policy, published in the Government Gazette on 18 March this year, is an important milestone for education in the country.
           
“We want to congratulate the Minister of Basic Education, Ms Angie Motshekga, and her department with this policy,” says Mr Paul Colditz, CEO of the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS). FEDSAS was one of the role-players that was requested to comment on the draft policy.
           
The final policy has exceeded our expectations. It is well-thought-out and will be an important tool for school governing bodies when recommendations on candidates for school principals are made. It also provides clarity on the relationship between a principal and the governing body,” says Colditz.
           
A school principal is a key link in the education chain. For the South African education system to be successful and competitive, excellent principals are not negotiable. School governing bodies play a determining role in the appointment process of school principals. “This policy contributes towards the protection of the authority and competency of governing bodies to manage this process and to make recommendations about the appointment,” says Colditz.
 
FEDSAS also expresses its gratitude towards the Minister and her department for the support they provide to school principals. “A policy such as this one makes it clear that decisions regarding school principals cannot be left in the hands of unions or union associates in the department. Recent media reports on the ‘sale’ of school principal positions by unions have confirmed that the integrity of the appointment process should remain credible.”
           
FEDSAS is committed to quality education. “As a recognised role-player in education we will continue to support the Minister and her department in initiatives that contribute to the realisation of the ideals of FEDSAS.”