,LCP4809 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 2 2025 - DUE 15 September 2025; 100%
correct solutions and explanations.
School Governing Bodies and Pregnancy Policies in South
Africa
Introduction
Public schools in South Africa are democratic institutions
governed by a partnership between the state, educators,
parents, and learners. The South African Schools Act 84 of 1996
(SASA) places School Governing Bodies (SGBs) at the centre of
this framework by mandating them to assist in school
governance. SGBs are entrusted with important responsibilities
such as adopting a constitution, formulating the school’s
mission statement, and drafting policies that regulate learner
conduct. Among these policies are school pregnancy policies,
which have historically raised constitutional, legal, and ethical
debates.
Pregnancy among learners continues to be a pressing issue in
South Africa, linked to socio-economic factors, limited access to
reproductive healthcare, and gender inequality. While SGBs
have the authority to draft policies addressing pregnancy, their
powers are not unlimited. They must align with constitutional
rights, legislation, and case law, ensuring that learners’ dignity,
equality, and access to education are not infringed. This essay
, critically discusses the function of SGBs in determining school
policies, with specific reference to pregnancy policies, and
explores the relevant legislative framework and case law
guiding these powers.
1. The Role and Functions of School Governing Bodies (SGBs)
1.1 The legislative foundation of SGBs
The South African Schools Act (SASA) 84 of 1996 creates SGBs
as statutory bodies that share governance responsibility with
the state. Section 16(1) vests governance of public schools in
SGBs, while professional management remains with the
principal and the Department of Education. Section 20 of SASA
outlines the functions of SGBs, which include:
Adopting a constitution and mission statement;
Establishing policies such as admissions and learner
conduct;
Promoting the best interests of the school and quality
education for learners;
Supporting the principal and educators in their duties.
This legislative mandate recognises SGBs as custodians of
democratic participation in schools, empowering parents and
communities to shape school culture while ensuring compliance
with national norms and standards.
Semester 2 2025 - DUE 15 September 2025; 100%
correct solutions and explanations.
School Governing Bodies and Pregnancy Policies in South
Africa
Introduction
Public schools in South Africa are democratic institutions
governed by a partnership between the state, educators,
parents, and learners. The South African Schools Act 84 of 1996
(SASA) places School Governing Bodies (SGBs) at the centre of
this framework by mandating them to assist in school
governance. SGBs are entrusted with important responsibilities
such as adopting a constitution, formulating the school’s
mission statement, and drafting policies that regulate learner
conduct. Among these policies are school pregnancy policies,
which have historically raised constitutional, legal, and ethical
debates.
Pregnancy among learners continues to be a pressing issue in
South Africa, linked to socio-economic factors, limited access to
reproductive healthcare, and gender inequality. While SGBs
have the authority to draft policies addressing pregnancy, their
powers are not unlimited. They must align with constitutional
rights, legislation, and case law, ensuring that learners’ dignity,
equality, and access to education are not infringed. This essay
, critically discusses the function of SGBs in determining school
policies, with specific reference to pregnancy policies, and
explores the relevant legislative framework and case law
guiding these powers.
1. The Role and Functions of School Governing Bodies (SGBs)
1.1 The legislative foundation of SGBs
The South African Schools Act (SASA) 84 of 1996 creates SGBs
as statutory bodies that share governance responsibility with
the state. Section 16(1) vests governance of public schools in
SGBs, while professional management remains with the
principal and the Department of Education. Section 20 of SASA
outlines the functions of SGBs, which include:
Adopting a constitution and mission statement;
Establishing policies such as admissions and learner
conduct;
Promoting the best interests of the school and quality
education for learners;
Supporting the principal and educators in their duties.
This legislative mandate recognises SGBs as custodians of
democratic participation in schools, empowering parents and
communities to shape school culture while ensuring compliance
with national norms and standards.
