Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Msindisi Fengu
Published on 2024-03-03 11:35:34
South African school governing bodies (SGBs) have been in the spotlight for allegations of corruption, fraud, and mismanagement of school finances. With schools gearing up to elect new members for these bodies, which serve three-year terms, the issue of corruption within SGBs has come to the forefront. Corruption Watch estimates that there are at least 3,417 cases of unlawful conduct in South African primary and secondary schools, with some cases involving SGB members working in collusion with school principals.
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga announced that schools are scheduled to elect new SGBs between 1 and 31 March 2024. Corruption Watch, lead coordinator for stakeholder relations and campaigns, Melusi Ncala, highlighted that the organization has received numerous complaints related to corruption in schools over the past decade. These complaints led to investigations focusing on the functioning of SGBs, particularly after whistleblowers raised concerns about corrupt activities involving SGB members and school principals.
Ncala reported that there have been instances of fictitious employees being added to school payrolls for teaching or administrative roles, with funds being misappropriated by school officials. He also mentioned cases of funds being used for personal gain, such as purchasing items and then returning them for refunds into unrelated accounts. Additionally, there have been reports of theft from school feeding schemes and extortion, where learners are pressured into performing sexual acts in exchange for academic benefits.
A report compiled by Ncala in August 2022 revealed that the majority of corruption incidents were recorded in Gauteng, followed by KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, the Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, the Western Cape, and the Northern Cape. The types of irregularities included misappropriation of resources, maladministration, abuse of authority, employment irregularities, and procurement irregularities.
University of Fort Hare law faculty senior researcher Dr Siyabulela Fobosi emphasized the importance of well-run SGBs in ensuring efficient administration and a conducive learning environment. He stated that functional SGBs contribute to creating a positive atmosphere for teaching and learning, addressing issues like bullying and substance abuse, and promoting academic achievement and personal growth.
On the other hand, dysfunctional SGBs can leave students vulnerable to bullying, create safety concerns, and lead to a lack of trust and engagement within the school community. University of Johannesburg education expert Professor Linda Chisholm highlighted the impact of tension and conflict within dysfunctional SGBs, leading to a decline in morale among parents, teachers, and students.
In conclusion, the role of SGBs in South African schools is crucial for ensuring effective governance, transparency, and accountability. Well-managed SGBs contribute to creating a positive school environment that supports academic achievement and personal growth. On the other hand, dysfunctional SGBs can have detrimental effects on the school community, leading to a lack of trust, safety concerns, and a decline in overall morale. It is important for parents and stakeholders to be vigilant and report any instances of corruption or misconduct to the appropriate authorities to ensure the integrity of South African schools.
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