Voter participation in this year’s school governing body elections is noticeably higher than in previous elections.

“This really is democracy in action. For our member schools this looks set to be the highest number of parents who voted since inception of the Schools’ Act,” says Dr Jaco Deacon, CEO of FEDSAS (the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools).

FEDSAS launched an extensive marketing campaign early in the school year to create awareness of the SGB elections and the importance of parents’ participation. “A recent snap survey among FEDSAS member schools paints a positive picture. Generally, our members were well-prepared and better voting methods appear to be the key. Full-day elections and e-elections were used with great success in most cases. Thus far there were only a few disputes, and these were resolved swiftly.”

Deacon says in many instances there were significantly more nominations for candidates. “This shows that school communities are taking ownership and for this FEDSAS is truly grateful. Our job is to equip governing bodies, but we can only do this if there is a duly elected governing body at a school.”

The SGB elections continue until the end of March and there are still opportunities for parents to participate. “Tomorrow (21 March 2024) we celebrate Human Rights Day. Participating in your school’s SGB election is an excellent opportunity to contribute to our children’s right to quality education. Not only will this ensure a better future for our children, but it will also contribute to better communities.”

Deacon says where an SGB has already been elected, the important task of training now awaits. “FEDSAS’s training is vital and the entire SGB as well as the school’s management team must attend together. It is not only new SGB members who require training; the new team must learn to operate as a unit.”

FEDSAS has an extensive training programme that is presented nationally as well as in all the provinces. “The training is not limited to FEDSAS members. Non-members are encouraged to register to lay a proper foundation for the next three years’ work.”
Deacon says while SGB members must get to work, parents are not home free. “Participation in the SGB elections gives parents the opportunity for direct involvement in their children’s education but participation in the general elections in May this year gives school communities the opportunity to influence education policy.”

For more information on FEDSAS’s training programmes, visit www.fedsas.org.za