With the imminent elections of school governing bodies, it is apposite to pose the question whether these structures are a boon or a bane to the provision of quality education.

The bodies were established under section 18(1) of the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996.  Section 20(1) of the same act lists the functions of all governing bodies which include to promote the interests of the school and strive to ensure its development through the provision of quality education for all pupils at the school. Some of the functions are to adopt a constitution; support the principal, educators and other staff in the performance of their professional functions; and to recommend to the head of department the appointment of educators at the school. ..