The North West Department of Education and Sports Development held a School Governing Body (SGB) inauguration event on Friday, 24 July 2015 at the Convention Centre to congratulate and motivate parents for taking part in the elections which took place in all public schools of Bokone Bophirima from 6 – 28 March 2015.
These elections have seen 16 473 SGB members elected into SGB structures in 1 536 schools and the theme that guided the elections was “Unity is Strength”.
MEC Wendy Matsemela noted that the department entrusts the SGBs with the responsibility of developing and adopting school policies which provide direction in managing school finances and resources.
The MEC said, “Despite massive financial injection in the education system and training provided, the department is not performing as expected as shown by some of the challenges experienced. To name a few: Underperformance of some schools, personal interest vs good governance, potholes in some classrooms, falling ceilings in some schools, broken windows and furniture”.
She further added, “Irrespective of all the challenges facing our schools, we garner strength from the words of Tata Mandela “It always seems impossible until it’s done” and remembering that “Without education, your children can never really meet the challenges they will face. So it's very important to give children education and explain that they should play a role for their country”.
In closing MEC Matsemela discouraged in strongest terms the signing of blank cheques by the members of School Governing Bodies. She said, the signing of blank cheques is tantamount to corruption and parents must read documents thoroughly before signing.
The event was attended by well over 3 000 representatives from various schools across the province. There was a question and answer session where representatives highlighted their plight to which the MEC gave fruitful responses.
For further or more info, please contact:
Elias Malindi
Cell: 072 115 4855 / 072 892 8399
