The Importance of Electing the 'right' Governing Body

Later this month, all public schools in South Africa will elect a new Governing Body for a term of three years. Now is the perfect opportunity therefore, to ensure that the Governing Body your school selects, is the best one possible!

Lia Nizjink - current chair

School communities differ and so what is good, and possible, for one community, is not necessarily the best for another. School principals have a responsibility to their communities to ensure the best candidates are made available, and are voted in, so that their schools are enhanced by the Governing Body, not disadvantaged. I believe the principal's role in this is crucial. By this, I do not mean that we should be canvassing for the parents and staff that will follow the principal's lead meekly. I do mean that principals around the country should be advertising the elections weekly, on all communication platforms, should be emphasising the importance of the governors adding value to the school, and should be suggesting to those who might be interested that they meet with current governors to be better informed about the important role they play, in public education in South Africa. It is also crucial that the governing body reflect the school community so that all parts of the community feel that they are well represented.

Ko Bohms - treasurer

Tania van Rensburg -secretary

Governing body associations we are associated with; the Federated Association of School Governing Bodies, and the Governing Body Foundation, have been advertising these elections since the beginning of this year, trying to encourage parents to accept their responsibility for their local schools and to be involved. This advocacy can either be annoying or helpful to school principals, and the way they view this advocacy, is often through the past relationships they have had with their own previous governing bodies.

Mimi Xhantini - exemptions

I have been at schools in the past were a governing body has been a positive influence in a school, and also in schools where the governing body is seen as the enemy...In both these cases my experience has been that the principal has made the difference. When a governing body is 'feared' it is often because the principal 'uses' the governing body as a big stick - I heard of a teacher who was told that she should comply with an instruction or if she didn't, she would have to meet with the governing body to explain why she wouldn't comply...

The Governing Body Foundation have sent around a newsletter which gives the 'characteristics and capabilities' of those who wish to be nominated as governors: their list includes serving

• in the best interests of the school not themselves
• for the 'right' motives, not advancing their own interests
• without reward for their services to the school
• without expecting any advantage for their own children - academically or any other

This month allows schools to show the rest of South Africa, and the world, that democracy is alive and well. Please ensure that your school does reflect the South Africa that Nelson Mandela wished for us all!