The spending of public money in no-fee schools in the Sekhukhune district of Limpopo province

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate how no-fee schools spend public money.It investigated what the schools spend the money and how they do it. The research investigated how decisions of spending are taken by all the stakeholders at the schools. The research wanted to find out whether the public money in no-fee schools was wisely spent or not. The literature review found that education funding has been at the centre of political reforms since 1994 to address equality and equity. The introduction of no-fee schools was an attempt to increase accesstowards quality public education through provision of more resources. The research found evidence of non-compliance by schools in certain areas on how schools should use funds as provided by SASA. It was found that schools do not spend the public money according to the prescript guidelines. There was evidence of fruitless and unwise spending. The research found that the powers that were given to schools SGBs through SASA were sometimes usurped by school principals asa result of the void created by the SGBs. It was revealed that some schoolsissue fraudulent cheques. Despite the no fee policy, schools still charge certain compulsory fees. The research revealed that certain functionaries directly involved in the use of school money still lack proper financial training, knowledge and skills. Despite the allocation of resources through the no-fee schools policy to schools, there were findings of inefficient and fruitless spending. Some of the sampled no-fee schools showed non-compliance with the guidelines in regard to correct spending and accountability. The different roles and responsibilities of each component of the SGB need to be clarified. Officials need to assist in this regard. There is a need for continuous training by education officials of SGBs on the utilization of school money. There is a need for improved monitoring and supervision as money cannot be utilized without proper monitoring and supervision. Despite the reports that are given to stakeholders there are still complaints from parents that need to be fully addressed by SGBs. Copyright