By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga has called on eligible stakeholders to participate in the upcoming 2024 School Governing Body (SGB) Elections.
Motshekga was speaking during the launch of the 2024 School Governing Body (SGB) Elections Campaign in Pretoria on Monday.
The SGB elections will be held from 1 – 31 March 2024 in all ordinary public schools. By law, the department is required to conduct elections for SGBs every three years.
“As we launch this campaign, I call upon each of you, parents, teachers, learners, and community members to join us in this crucial endeavour.
“Engage with the process, educate yourselves and others and most importantly, exercise your right to vote. Your involvement is not just a contribution but a testament to your commitment to the future of our nation’s children.
“My call to action today is simple yet powerful: get involved. Whether you choose to stand for election or cast your vote, your contribution holds immense significance. It will not only impact the lives of our children but also shape the future of our nation,”Motshekga said.
She said that research has consistently shown that schools with active SGBs excel across various metrics, including academic performance, learner wellbeing, and community engagement.
Motshekga said the correlation between engaged SGBs and school success is undeniable. Schools with high SGB participation report an average 20% higher pass rate than those with lower engagement.
Additionally, the Minister said that incidents of vandalism and truancy decrease significantly in schools with active governing bodies.
“These are not just numbers; they are compelling evidence of the power of active participation. Our vision is for every school to harness this potential, translating active governance into tangible outcomes for our children. “
“Therefore, our campaign, ‘Empower, Engage, Educate’, aims to catalyse a shift. With a multifaceted strategy leveraging both digital and traditional media, we intend to reach every corner of our society. From rural townships to bustling urban centres, our message is clear: your voice shapes the future,” she said.
Motshekga said that the campaign will provide comprehensive resources on the roles and significance of SGBs, the election process, and how every individual can contribute.
Workshops, informational pamphlets, and an interactive website will serve as conduits for this essential knowledge.
Motshekga said there will be a dialogue to foster understanding. The campaign will initiate conversations across communities, creating platforms for questions, discussions and sharing ideas.
The Minister said these dialogues will bridge gaps, dispel myths and build a shared vision for schools.
She said this is a moment that not only reflects the department’s commitment to democratic values but also underscores the collective responsibility towards the future of basic education in South Africa.
Watch Live in the video below:
Video Courtesy of GCIS.