The DBE, Provincial Education Departments (PEDs), the National Education Collaborative Trust (NECT), South African Council of Educators (SACE), SGB associations, labour unions and other stakeholders convened at Kopanong Hotel in Benoni from 27–28 November 2025 for a two-day School Governance Conference under the theme: “Strengthening School Governance through Shared Understanding and Collaboration”.

In his opening address, Mr Nkosana Thakgedi, Director for Education Management and Governance Development (EMGD), reminded delegates that the South African Schools Act provides the legal foundation for School Governing Bodies (SGBs). He emphasised the need for clearer and shared interpretation of policies to ensure that schools respond promptly and consistently to threats affecting the school environment. Discussions highlighted the importance of clarity on roles and responsibilities, with delegates stressing that functional and effective governance relies on a common understanding of duties amongst SGBs, School Management Teams (SMTs) and the Representative Council of Learners (RCL).

Finance control and accountability emerged as a key pillar of strong school governance. The conference called for transparent budgeting processes, routine financial reporting, and joint oversight by SGBs and SMTs. Delegates argued that when SGBs are financially literate and actively involved, communities regain trust, resources are safeguarded, and funds are more effectively channelled towards learner support and school safety initiatives.

Learner discipline also featured prominently in discussions, with delegates underscoring the responsibility of SGBs and SMTs in modelling positive behaviour and addressing ill-discipline in schools. Delegates endorsed restorative, rights-based approaches developed collaboratively by SGBs, SMTs and learner representatives. Ms Sandra Leshabela, National President of the Representative Council of Learners, called for meaningful learner participation in the development of disciplinary policies and urged decisive action against perpetrators of gender-based violence, including the consideration of professional sanctions where warranted.

Sustaining these reforms, speakers noted, requires strong intermediary support structures, hence the renewed emphasis on functional and well-resourced SGB associations. Presenters, including Prof Khumalo of UNISA, argued that such associations are positioned to coordinate capacity-building initiatives, share best practice, mediate disputes, and amplify parent and learner voices. This ensures that SGBs are supported rather than isolated as they implement new policy and oversight measures.

The conference reaffirmed that school governance is a shared responsibility. When governance structures are functional, financial accountability is ensured, discipline is fair, and SGB associations are active and supported, school communities, including learners are better positioned to create conditions that enable effective teaching and learning.