Abstract
M.ed.
This research focuses on the management of allocated funds in Gauteng schools. April
1994 witnessed the birth of a new and democratic South Africa. This birth has meant the
need for changes in various areas in the efficient and effective governance of the new
South Africa. Education is one area affected by this change. It poses a challenge that
includes a range of problematic issues such as inadequate resources, the absence of a
culture of learning and teaching, and most recently, the management of allocated funds to
schools by the provincial education departments.
The effective management of allocated funds is critical for the payment of services such
as electricity, water and sewerage the purchase of learning material for teaching; and the
maintenance of the school buildings. The aim of this research is to:
• analyse the official documents for the management of allocated funds for section
21 schools;
• critically evaluate the management of allocated funds m three countries
(Botswana, Australia and Malawi)
• evaluate and compare the management of school funds in schools that have
section 21 functions, and those without these functions.
The following research methods were employed to gather the relevant research data:
(1) Literature study; (2) Focus group interviews and site analyses of two schools (one
with Section 21 functions and one without) on how they manage the allocated funds.
This included observations and interviews with the principals and chairperson of the
fmance committee.
The study concludes with recommendations and guidelines for the management of
allocated funds for section 21 schools.