The leadership role of a school principal : a public administration perspective

Abstract

Education refers to the imparting of knowledge and life skills to the learner by the educator. This means that in order to part with this knowledge, there must be a conducive school climate, where the principal, as a manager, plays an active role in guiding and supervising educators to attain their objectives. In the past, the education system in South Africa was divided into several departments. The segregated departments of education served the different races ( Whites, Coloureds, Indians and Blacks ). Blacks were regarded as inferior and were given the type of education that moulded them to become servants to the Whites. On the other hand Whites were made to believe that apartheid is acceptable. The ushering in of a democratic order in 1994 brought about profound changes in terms of education. A single department of education was introduced through the National Education Policy Act ( Act 27 of 1996 ). This change and transformation was therefore important for the government and the education system. The education department was charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the imbalances of the past are redressed. In the quest to ensure that all people are provided with efficient education, and that all educators know their respective duties, the department of education introduced several policies and councils. One of the outstanding policies introduced is the Employment of Educators Act ( Act 76 of 1998 ). This Act clearly outlines the duties and responsibilities to be performed by principals, deputy-principals, heads of departments and educators. The principal, as manager of a school, has been tasked with the duty of overseeing the smooth running of the school. In overseeing the smooth running of the school, the principal has to show leadership qualities. Therefore, it is important for the principal to know his/ her leadership role within the school in order to be effective and efficient, and to have a successful school.