Abstract:
After 1994 it was generally expected that the decentralisation of powers would give
parents in school governing bodies significant power regarding the governance of
schools concerning the appointment of staff and recommendations for appointment.
The South African Schools Act of 1996 appeared to meet these expectations. However,
a number of amendments to the law since then have apparently diminished the
powers of parents in this regard. This article analyses the powers parents received in
this regard circa 1996 and the amendments effected since then, and argues that the
recent changes do not necessarily mean an end to decentralisation.
