Representative Council of Learners (RCL) elections will be taking place in all public schools enrolling learners in the eighth grade or higher across the country from 15 – 31 January 2025. This cohort of leaders will work hand in hand with the School Principal, School Management Team (SMT) and SGBs to promote good relations amongst learners, between learners and educators, and between the school and the community as a whole. An RCL represents the interests of all learners, whilst striving to set a positive example of discipline; loyalty; respect; morality; active participation; and an ethos of safety and learning.
The DBE hosted the 2024 RCL Conference at the ANEW Hotel and Conference Centre (previously known as The Lakes Hotel and Conference Centre) in Benoni, Gauteng Province from 27 to 28 June 2024. Approximately 90 RCL delegates attended the Conference under the theme, “Equipping learners with Knowledge and Skills for a Changing World. The Conference featured two panel discussions, which explored strategies for curbing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), whilst promoting Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in the schooling system, as well as supporting RCLs by way of equipping them with knowledge and skills for the changing world. The Conference aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of RCLs across provinces to foster a platform for engagement between the DBE, stakeholders and RCL representatives.
Chief Director for Planning Implementation and Support, Mr James Ndlebe, recommended that RCLs should forge a strong cooperation with School Management Teams and School Governing Bodies to ensure quality school leadership and management, especially in respect of escalating factors that are affecting quality learning and teaching in schools, whilst Deputy Director-General for Delivery and Support, Ms Simoné Geyer, encouraged RCLs to be a bridge between learners and leadership, the voice for their peers, and the champions for positive change in their respective schools. “Through the RCL platform, you develop valuable skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving. These are the skills you need to navigate this changing world and become the innovators, the entrepreneurs and the leaders of tomorrow,” she said.
In accordance with the South African Schools Act (SASA), a RCL should promote quality learning and teaching in schools as the elected representative structure, providing all learners with an opportunity to voice their concerns and formulate strategies that respond to various challenges faced.