SGB 101
School governance made simple. Every module is grounded in South African legislation — SASA, BELA, and the Western Cape Provincial Schools Act.
What is a School Governing Body?
Every public school must have one. Learn what an SGB is, why it exists, and what the law says about its purpose.
Who Serves on an SGB?
The composition of an SGB is set by law — parents, educators, staff, learners, and the principal all play a part.
Key Roles on an SGB
Chairperson, treasurer, secretary — what each role actually means and the responsibilities that come with it.
SGB vs School Management Team
The SGB governs; the SMT manages. Understanding this boundary prevents the most common SGB disputes.
Which Committees Must an SGB Have?
Most committees are optional — only one is compelled nationally, and provinces add their own. Plus the chairing rule everyone gets wrong.
School Fees & Exemptions
No child may be turned away for unpaid fees. Who qualifies for exemption, how to apply, and how fees are lawfully set.
BELA: What Actually Changed
What the BELA Act changed for governing bodies — admissions, language, discipline — and the myth that BELA dissolves SGBs.
Content is grounded in SASA 84 of 1996, BELA 32 of 2024, NEPA 27 of 1996, and the Western Cape Provincial School Education Act 12 of 1997. This is educational content — not legal advice.