Over the course of March, elections for school governing bodies will take place. School governing bodies are key oversight mechanisms that include parents, teacher representatives, student representatives, school principals and community members who's role is to oversee school management, solve problems, and ensure the appropriate use of funds meant for textbooks, school improvement and other needs. SGBs are unique platforms for South Africans to ensure that the 'people govern' and are links between schools and their communities. Despite the size of these elections - these polls provide for a greater number of representatives to be elected than those elected to South Africa's National, provincial and local governments, combined - very little awareness exists on their implications. SGB members are elected for 5 years, and their financial oversight role provides opportunities for embezzlement and corruption.
In response, Corruption Watch has released a video to build the awareness of parents and learners of the elections, and has developed a new handbook that outlines the roles and responsibilities of SGB members.
