Abstract
M.Ed.
Since the first democratic election in South Africa in 1994, there has been significant change and development in all spheres of our lives. Democracy and the implementation of a new Constitution have brought about changes, even in the education system.
The democratic system of education is characterised by the new Act that is, the South African Schools Act (SASA) No. 84 of 1996 (RSA, 1996b). This Act acknowledges the importance of parents as stakeholders in the school governing bodies (SGBs). It also outlines the other important responsibilities of school governing bodies such as taking the responsibility of managing school funds.
Section 36 of the South African Schools Act (RSA,1996b) states that “… a governing body of a public school must take all reasonable measures within its means to supplement the resources supplied by the state in order to improve the quality of education provided by the school to all learners at the school.” It is the responsibility of the state to ensure that schools are fully resourced, be it financial, human or physical resources. There is a perception amongst educators and other stakeholders such as parents that resources allocated by the state are inadequate. If the state funds schools fully, more children will receive quality education as the new funding method or formula is applied. Fundraising is necessary to supplement the resources allocated by the state. The lack of funds in disadvantaged communities is the cause of schools being ineffective institutions of teaching and learning.
The aim of this research study was to explore the role of the SGB in managing fundraising for public primary schools in disadvantaged communities. This was undertaken in order to formulate guidelines for SGBs to effectively manage fundraising.
A qualitative research design that was explorative, descriptive and contextual was employed. The researcher conducted focus group interviews in order to collect data. The data collected was analysed and interpreted and various themes and categories were identified. Quotations from the prescribed interviews were given to substantiate the themes and categories identified through data analysis.
According to the literature review and responses from focus group interviews, it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that schools are fully resourced. However, this is not possible and it is for this reason that school governing bodies must supplement funds through fundraising.
Since this research study was limited to Tembisa West in Ekurhuleni District (D6) one of the recommendations made by the researcher is that further research should be undertaken on managing fundraising in all Gauteng Province public primary schools. Future research studies on this phenomenon must be broader with special emphasis on the experiences and perceptions of SGBs in disadvantaged communities in the Gauteng Province.
Prof. R. Mestry