Realising the objectives of the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod : a case study

Abstract

The realisation of the objectives of the South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod (SASCE) is influenced by the national education system and the environment it operates in. This thesis accordingly studies the SASCE within the organisational framework of the Department of National Education. It provides a comprehensive description of the factors that influence the achievement of the objectives of the SASCE in the FET band in the Motheo district of the Free State Province. South African national education policy provides for a single unified democratic system for the organisation, governance and funding of schools. The Department of National Education formulates policy and provinces are responsible for its implementation by means of district offices. In this respect the education system is regarded as an organisation consisting of different sub-organisations that must provide effective education in line with the educational needs of the country. A generic five-point model of effective organisational structure accordingly was applied to determine the factors impacting on the realisation of the objectives of SASCE. Data were gathered and analysed by means of personal observations, document analysis and semi-structured interviews with education officials, school principals and choir conductors. The challenges of the national education system with regard to appropriate facilities, equipment, funding, appropriately trained officials and educators, support staff and effective policy implementation are consistent with the challenges facing the Department of National Education's enrichment programmes, of which the SASCE forms part. Findings and recommendations are offered for all research questions. A general recommendation pertains to a proposed restructuring of the provincial enrichment programmes sub-directorate in order to address some of its organisational shortcomings and also the challenges facing the SASCE.