The proclamation of the South African Schools Act in November 1996 heralded a new era in education in that it brought about a uniform education system and it spelt out the vital role of the School Governing Bodies.
The introduction of "Section 21 Schools" will add a new dimension to the role of Governors at a school. Schools will be expected to run their own affairs from a monetary allocation made by the state: we will have to pay for our textbooks, stationery, repairs and day-to-day running costs. The state allocation will not be sufficient and SGB's will have to find ways and means to supplement the short fall to ensure that the standard of education is upheld or even bettered at a school. This is by no means the only important function but vital for the existence of our school. The other very important aspects are the setting up of school policies, school development and school administration. However, I can proudly state that our track record has proved that no obstacle is insurmountable and we are on course concerning all of the above-mentioned.
Thus, it had been very clear from the onset that schools in the near future would become autonomous institutions, which would have to satisfy the needs of its immediate and the wider South African society. However, this can only be made possible by ownership by all its role players and more so its parents. Most schools in the previously disadvantaged areas have really not embraced this oppurtunity. How, we at Cebelihle Primary have made the paradigm shift and are well on our way. We are busy setting standards beyond our wildest dreams and to become a shining example for many schools.
For us to succeed and to build upon the sound foundation that has been laid by our previous SGB, we will have to stay focussed on the bigger picture. The school and it's needs will have to be placed ahead of individual wants. We will have to continue with a professional approach to the task that we have been mandated to do by our respective constituencies
Let us pledge our combined wisdom to organise and govern our school and make Cebelihle Primary School one of the many leading lights in education.
