Search Climate Insights Directory

The study examines how the decentralisation of education governance to SGBs under the South African Schools Act of 1996 functions in practice. It finds that in underperforming schools in KwaZulu Natal, SGBs are often ineffective due to low parental participation, significant capacity deficits, and a tendency for principals to dominate decision-making. While SGBs have legal powers over teacher appointments and financial oversight, these are often undermined by political influence, lack of training, and a reactive approach to support from district officials. The paper concludes that the current system of governance is ineffective in underperforming schools, which increases the administrative burden on principals and fails to strategically improve learner outcomes.