Education Minister undermines parents authority

Cheryllyn Dudley, MP

Over the past ten years government has systematically undermined parents in their role and responsibility to raise and educate their children. Consistent attacks, verbally and through legislation on School Governing Bodies (SGB) are just one example.

Education Minister Naledi Pandor’s latest declaration regarding autonomous powers for school Principals will effectively place full and unchecked government of schools in the hands of the Department of Education who employ and pay the salaries of Principals.

Principals of schools know better than anyone that autonomy from SGB’s means absolutely no buffer between them and the state. There will not even be pretence anymore that a hundred percent state control is not a reality. Principals’ jobs, salaries, promotions and increases will depend entirely on their compliance with departmental orders with no questions asked.

Children are the responsibility of parents and regardless of the challenges we must not abdicate this responsibility to the state. Those employed by the State are not in a position to protest this unacceptable situation.

Parents and the public in general must make a stand or lose whatever little say we have in our children’s education.