Browsing by Author "Hendricks, M. (Mymoena)"

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    School governing bodies : their significance in the democratic transformation of South African society
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2000-03) Hendricks, M. (Mymoena); Waghid, Yusef; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Education Policy Studies.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis seeks to demonstrate the potential of school governing bodies to further the process of democratising South African society. Among the main features of the democratisation of South African education, is the decentralisation of educational governance. In this process the decision-making authority has been devolved from central government to the local school level, thus preparing school communities for self-government and autonomy. The establishment of school governing bodies at all public schools in the country brings South Africa in line with current international trends for democratic local community participation and control in education. When this aspect of the education systems of three countries, the United States of America, England and Australia, are compared with South Africa's, it shows the extent of the latter's democratisation of educational governance. The background to local community participation in South African education according to various pieces of legislation passed, their failure to reform education, and other aspects which led to the promulgation of the Schools Act (1996), places school governing bodies in South Africa in proper historical context. An examination of the Schools Act reveals its democratic nature and identifies those aspects of school governing bodies which have the potential of furthering the democratisation process. The challenges that the changes in school governance bring with them are analysed to highlight their implications and significance for school governing bodies. School governing bodies offer new and exciting opportunities for enterprising and enthusiastic communities. School governors should, therefore, be urged to seize the opportunity to participate in school governance and in this way play their role in furthering the democratic transformation of South African society.