(Dis)empowering school management teams of non-fee-paying schools to collaborate with school governing bodies to manage school finances effectively

Numerous research studies have examined the efficiency and efficacy of school governing bodies (SGBs) in managing finances in South African public schools. Findings show that in many non-fee schools, SGB members lack the financial expertise to find solutions to practical problems. The South African Schools Act No. 84 of 1996 does not make provision for school management teams (SMTs) as agencies to be represented on SGBs. Principals, by virtue of their authority, are members of SGBs, while other SMT members may be elected to serve on SGBs as teacher representatives. Using a qualitative approach within a phenomenological design, this study investigated the perceptions and experiences of stakeholders about the role of SMTs of non-fee schools in financial management. Semi-structured interviews with 16 participants were used to gather data, which were then inductively analysed to identify themes and sub-themes. The findings revealed that many non-fee schools have not made tangible efforts to promote collaboration between SMTs and SGBs. As a structure, SMTs are not permitted to attend SGB meetings and are thus denied addressing pertinent financial issues to govern schools effectively.