Educational Planning & Administration

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Parental involvement as an administrative component of educational administration for the black people in South Africa
(1983) Gabela, Raymoth Vika; Thembela, A.J.
The object of this dissertation was to determine parental involvement as an administrative component of educational administration for the Black people in South Africa. This study is in field of Educational Administration. Parents are the first persons to organise educational situations for the child. Six chapters were written. When stating the problem, it was indicated in the first chapter that serious administrative problems may come about as a result of unwholemome relationship and lack of co-operation between parents a^d administrators of education. The study of Educational Administration, its definitions, nature, purposes and procedure, demonstrate the relevance of participation of the parent clientele. In considering educational administration as a practice a three- *evel paradigm was used, namely,the macro- meso- and micro-structural levels. After analysing the administration of education for the Blac*ks in South Africa it was found that Black parental involvement is inadequate. Recommendations for the increase of parental involve¬ment were made.
The pedagogical significance of supervision and inspection in black secondary schools with special reference to KaNgwane
(University of Zululand, 1985) Ndlala, Mangena William; Thembela, A.J.
The purpose of this research was to determine the pedagogical significance of supervision and inspection as professional services offered to Black secondary schools with special reference to KaNgwane. The concern in educational administration is quality. This emanates from the assumption that everyone aspires to receive education of good quality. Supervision and inspection, as administrative strategies, aim at bringing about and maintaining such educational quality as may be desired. Inspectors are professional agents who, from time to time, offer supervisory and inspection services to schools. Success in the execution of this task is determined by the extent to which objectives and procedures are considered in the planning and admin¬istration thereof. This study opened with an orientation to the problem and related, issues. Findings from literature, interviews and questionnaires were related to the theory discussed in chapters two and three on supervision and inspection. This research revealed that there is inadequate consideration of objectives and procedures in the administration of supervision and inspection in KaNgwane. This implies that there is a great need for improvement of the current supervisory and inspection procedures. Application of the scientific management procedures, such as 'Supervision and Inspection by Objectives* (SIBO), have better chances of improving the quality of education than a haphazard approach devoid of clear objectives. It is hoped that the recommendations resulting from the findings in this research will be utilised with a view to improving the quality of educational administration, which is a prerequisite for the improvement of the quality of education as a whole.
The role of a principal in secondary community schools in Kwa-Zulu with particular reference to educational and instructional leadership
(1986) Ngcongo, Rejoice Gloria Phumelele; Thembela, A.J.
What this research is about, is contained in the title. It is thus essential to analyse concepts in the title in order to establish a common understanding of the study.
A socio-pedagogic description of factors that influence scholastic achievement of secondary school pupils in KwaNdebele
(1988) Masilela, Piet Jabulani; Nxumalo, O.E.H.M.
The investigator had noted that performance of pupils, especially in standard 10, had not expectations despite the application of measures supervision, inspection, guidance, in-service circulars and distance training of teachers. Secondary risen to such as training, It became clear to the researcher that factors within society in relation to achievement of secondary school pupils should be researched so as to form a basis on which measures at guidance, pupil assistance, instruction, teaching and supervision can be carried out.
An investigation into the relevence and effectiveness of the Primary Teachers' Diploma (PTD) music syllabi
(1989) Dumisa, Thabisa Percival Lwandle; Thembela, A.J.; New, L.J.
This dissertation sets out to investigate the relevance and the effectiveness of the Primary Teachers' Diploma (PTD) Music Syllabi. The Main focus is the KwaZulu and Natal Colleges of Education that offer PTD. Chapter 1 outlines the background to the research study, and discusses the role played by Music in both rural and urban Black communities. This chapter also summarises the musical needs of black communities. Chapter 2 reviews the literature that deals with the teaching of Music in schools. This literature is then compared and contrasted with the prescribed Music syllabi of the South African Black schools and colleges. Chapter 3 describes and discusses the interviews, questionnaires and observation (Triangulation) that are used to investigate the relevance and effectiveness of the PTD Music Syllabi. Chapter 4 presented the findings that are concluded in chapter 5. The prescribed PTD Music syllabi are found to be generally relevant but ineffective. The ineffectiveness is attributed to factors such as poor musical background of music students, inadequately trained music teachers, amount of allocated time, and a shortage of music equipment. The researcher recommends that Music teachers should be in-serviced and be helped to improve their music knowledge and qualifications. A balance is to be brought about between the allocated amount of work and time. Secondary schools are to try and offer Music as a subject.
An inquiry into the possible causes of Standard 10 examination malpractices : a socio-pedagogic perspective
(1989) Sibisi, Lindiwe Pamela; Nxumalo, O.E.H.M.
The aim of the study was to find out what the causes of standard 10 examination malpractices were. Standard 10 pupils, teachers, and principals were consulted and interviewed for this purpose. In this study two research methods were used; namely literature review and an empirical investigation. Literature was reviewed on the researched problem. Ndlovu (1983) maintains that some teachers are not in class during their teaching periods because they are in the staffroom or are not at school. Thus pupils involve themselves in examination malpractices in order to pass. The findings of this study were further backed up by Thembela (1982) who is of the opinion that copying is not prevented in some of the centres. In fact in some cases invigilators allow and encourage pupils to copy. There were three distinct samples to which questionnaires were administered. The questionnaire consisted of structured as well as the unstructured items for validity and reliability. The research was conducted among 300 pupils, 90 teachers and 11 principals. The researcher has preferred to use the questionnaire because it is more convenient and economical. By using a questionnaire one can have a lot of respondents without a lot of expense in time and effort. It covers a lot of people within a short space of time. The bigger the number of respondents the greater is the validity in the results. Each respondent receives the same set of questions which are phrased in the same way. The questionnaires are supposed to give a more comparable data. It took the researcher about 1 hour to get pupils, teachers and principals to complete the questionnaire. The researcher analysed data manually. Percentages were mainly used to analyse the pupils1, teachers1 and principals* responses. From the results it was found that standard 10 examination malpractices were caused by absenteeism of both teachers and pupils, lack of teaching equipment, laziness of both teachers and pupils, incompletion . of the syllabus, ^-.■stayg.ways.,-"; teachers-who are engaged in extra mural studies "-lack of prescribed books, and teachers who are not dedicated to their work. The following, hypotheses were formulated: (1) Stayaways, laziness and irresponsibility affect serious teaching and learning at school, leading in turn to the buying of stolen examination papers. (2) Tight security in the department prevents leakage. (3) If malpractices are suspected the department withholds results. (4) Some irresponsible members of^ the community sell stolen examination papers to pupils. The above hypotheses were proved valid in the analysis and interpretation of data. The findings of this study are recommended for further research.
A study of the need for pre-schools in Umlazi
(1989) Sibisi, Ruby Mirriam; Nxumalo, O.E.H.M.
The inadequacy of pre-schools in the Umlazi area poses a big problem for teachers and parents in the community. The writer being involved with a large number of schools, felt that the work of the teacher, especially in Sub-A, would be much easier if most of the children attended pre-schools before entering formal classes. A pre-scholar gets to primary school wide awake with a lot of experiences which contribute a great deal to primary school education. Since the researcher is convinced about the need of more pre-schools at Umlazi, an investigation on the study was done. Firstly, it was to find out about the performance of pre-scholars from the teachers concerned, in the lower primary schools. Secondly, the study had to involve parents in finding out whether they were in favour of pre-schools and what the reasons were. Thirdly, an observation was made of the existing few pre-schools, and the personnel were interviewed and response recorded in this study. One hundred and fifty (150) teachers were used as a sample. These were Sub-A, S.S.B., Standard 1 and Standard 2 teachers. Another population of 100 parents comprising various careers or professions was used. Two types of questionnaires were administered, one to the teachers and the other to the parents to determine the need and effects of pre-school education on children. Five pre-schools were personally observed. Principals and teachers were verbally interviewed. Data was collected and analysed manually by the researcher. The analysis of the results reflected that, over 50% of teachers stated that a pre-scholar was easily taught in class, and would prefer admitting more of such children. Most parents were eager to send their children who were under 5 years to pre-school, but these institutions were very few. They recommended that, the number of these be increased and be spread out in the Umlazi area for every child to be admitted in a nearby pre-school. The principals of the existing pre-schools stated that they were working under difficult conditions. There was overcrowding of children, the problem of unqualified teachers, and very low salary scales. The present situation could only improve if the government or the Department of Education and Culture (Kwa-Zulu) would register and subsidise the institutions. Finally, this investigation proved that there is a need for pre-schools in the Umlazi area. A number of suggestions are given with the hope that, if implemented, the Umlazi community will benefit thereby.
The investigation of some socio-educational factors contributing to high failure rate in matric in KwaZulu
(1990) Khathi, Lamulani Joseph; Nxumalo, O.E.H.M.
This study looks into the problem of failure in Matric in Black schools in KwaZulu. Some researchers have focused on causes for academic failure before. Some of these researchers are: Souper, (1976); Bryant, (1978); Havinghurst, (1979); Donald, (1980); Simons, (1980). Failure is rarely, if ever, attributable to one simple cause. There are likely to be a multiplicity of interrelated causes. Some' of these causes are : family disorganisation; family size and education; poor study facilities at home and teacher-pupil ratio. Failure at school may imply that one may fail in life. Society believes that school subjects are the means of i equipping pupils with the knowledge of understanding certain socio-economic and political demands. School subjects, it is believed, reveal the r, ealities that they should know in their society. It is through these school subjects that the child will know how to live comfortable with other people (Social Studies); how to look after his/her body, (Physiology and Hygiene); how other organisms are important in her/his life, (Biology/ Ecology; (Geography) .
Leadership as a variable for promoting principals in KwaZulu and the Department of Education and Training
(1991) Gumede, Caleb Muziwendoda; Nxumalo, O.E.H.M.
The object of this study is to determine the role played by leadership in the promotion of principals in the departments of education. In the statement of the problem it was suggested that in the promotion of principals, the officials of the Department of Education in KwaZulu and in the Department of Education and Training should consider the following aspects: the acquisition of academic and professional qualifications, experience, as well as leadership qualities. A distinction is drawn between a manager and a leader. Leaders influence the activities of their subordinates towards realising desired goals. A comparison is made between Yukl's (1970) leadership dimension (consideration, initiating structure, decision centralization), Lewin's (1944) theoretical typology (authoritarian, democratic, laissez faire) and Lambert and Lambert's (1964) organizational shapes (pyramid and circle organizational structures). Communication, Innovation and measurement by objectives were discussed as some of the vital skills of leadership. It was emphasized that they should be acquired by a prospective principal. In this study the questionnaire was used as a research tool. The questionnaire saves time and money. The researcher took advantage of a "Convenience sampling" and administered his questionnaires. It was decided, through empirical investigation, that leadership is a vital prerequisite for the promotion of school principals.
Some administrative and management challenges and related problems facing principals of Technical Colleges in KwaZulu : an exploratory study
(1991) Nzama, Enock Vusumuzi.; Thembela, A.J.
The main aim of this research is to identify some administrative challenges and related problems facing principals of Technical Colleges in KwaZulu. The major problem in KwaZulu Technical Education is the apparent lack of involvement of college principals in curriculum planning, research and administrative decision-making process. It appears that it is impossible in practice to carry out any proposals involving innovations within a technical college and also very difficult for principals to update knowledge or content to be in line with the demands of commerce and industry. The study was intended to reveal that certain challenges and problems in the technical college have a great effect on the quality of training. The lack of communication between principals of technical colleges and commerce and industry and also the lack of consultation between the Department of Education and Culture, KwaZulu and the business world has a negative effect on the training of employable students in KwaZulu. This problem is described in Chapter one. In order to understand the nature of the problem, it became necessary to sketch briefly the Historical Development of Technical Education for Africans in South Africa as a general background to the understanding of the problem confronting KwaZulu Technical Education. This is done in Chapter two. The conceptual framework regarding the administrative challenges and related problems facing technical education in KwaZulu is described in Chapter three. The research design and procedure are described in Chapter four. The interview and the questionnaire techniques were used in gathering data. Three areas were selected from which a sample of technical colleges would be used for purposes of interviewing principals. The three areas where urban, peri-urban and rural. The principals responses and analysis are presented in Chapter five. The summary of conclusions and recommendations are presented in Chapter six. Principal findings of the Investigation 1. The colleges emphasized mostly theory rather than skills to the (extent that most of the trained technicians are charged not to be suitable to the business and industry of today. 2. There was no or very limited co-operation between technical colleges and either business and industry community. The technical colleges are thus unable to project future needs of local industry with the result that many of their graduates are not yet employed. 3. There was high degree of concensus among the principals about staff-involvement in any attempt related to the research of the needs of community in KwaZulu. 4. Technical Education geared to meeting the needs of commerce and industry must be offered in all KwaZulu technical colleges. 5. There was also a high consensus among the principals about the appointment of Public Relations Officers in Technical Colleges of KwaZulu. 6. The principals of technical colleges must be given a chance to research the needs of commerce and industry and contribute to the curriculum development and construction on behalf of their technical colleges. 7. A curriculum Committee for all Technical Colleges in KwaZulu comprised of the representatives from commerce and industry, Department of Education (KwaZulu), and Principals and Heads of Departments from all technical colleges must be formed. This is essential for the continual revision of existing course content, whether the content is still in line with the demands of industry. Secondly, the committee will be responsible for curriculum research, planning and design for all technical colleges in KwaZulu. 8. Some new courses failed to attract the required number of students to make the course viable. The reason for failure is the fact that they were not sufficiently advertised and that the principals did not investigate whether there was a need for that course before introducing it. 9. It was agreed that an organized industry in Natal/KwaZulu be approached to consult with the RSA Association of Technical Colleges with the purpose of obtaining the necessary changes in the Nl, N2 and N3 Syllabuses which will make the latter more relevant to the various trades. 10. The Legislation governing apprentice training in KwaZulu be brought into line with that of the RSA and that the regulations pertaining thereto are applied both in the public and private sectors. 11. The practical training conducted at the technical colleges be brought into line with the competency based modular training schemes for the various trades instituted by the respective industry training boards in the RSA. 12. The development and provision of training courses for the workseekers in KwaZulu be either contingent on the avalability of appropriate job opportunities or be geared towards self employment. 13. Career education must be introduced into KwaZulu schools which ensures that the pupil leaves school with the training base required by industry.
The role of parents in the academic achievement of pupils in senior secondary classes in the Nseleni and Ongoye Magisterial Districts
(1991) Mzoneli, Walter Nkosikhona Herbert; Nxumalo, O.E.H.M.
The ever depreciating quality and quantity of matric results in black schools has called for the urgent attention for all educationists, decision-makers and parents, as well as pupils with the aim of joining hands to save and improve this appalling state of affairs. There has been much speculation ranging from the malfunctioning of the education system for the black community to the racially segregated education system. This thesis presents the findings of a study which describes the role played by parents in the academic performance of pupils in Senior Secondary classes in the Nseleni and Ongoye Magisterial districts. The Study was conducted among 150 Standard 9 and 10 pupils, 12 subject teachers, six principals of schools and 50 parents. The questionnaire and interview tools of research were used in the collection of data. The data collected by means of both the questionnaire and research tools, were analysed quantitatively. The analysis of results led to the emergence of numerous closely related factors which formed the basis of poor academic performance of pupils in Senior Secondary classes, especially standard 10. The findings indicated work time-tables, viz. shift work undertaken by parents, lack of parental support due to illiteracy, conditions of employment, lack of space and furniture conducive to study - due to unfavorable socio-economic factors prevailing within the family, absence of a well-structured personal study time-table for pupils, lack of regular contact between the school and parents, low occupational status of the parents, discrepancies in the staffing procedures and a high teacher-pupil ratio in schools are factors responsible, to a large extent, for the poor academic performance of pupils. In the light of these findings, it is advisable that these factors should not be regarded as separate, units, but as complementary to one another, forming a complete whole.
An analysis of the nature and function of the education policies at colleges of education in the National States in South Africa
(1992) Ndlala, Mangena William; Nxumalo, O.E.H.M.
The purpose of this study was to investigate how the educational policies formulated by the Department of Education and Training as well as the Departments cf Education and Culture, influence the functioning of the colleges of education in the National States in South Africa. It was also to determine the extent to which policies, evolved within the colleges themselves, are-af-feeted—by—interventions from the various Departments and political movements. Methods of research included, among others, interviews of college rectors, lecturers and students, serving teachers and some educators attached to the Departments of Education and Culture. This researcher intended to establish how these people perceive the influence and impact of these policies on the selected sample of Colleges of Education in the National States. The literature review revealed that policy serves as a guide and a source of reference in any given venture, involving a choice amongst a wide range of alterntives; and that it provides a reasonable guarantee that there will be consistency and continuity in the decisions that are made. This investigation demonstrated, however, that there is a stigma attached to policies formulated by the Education Departments in the National States. This is due to the negative perception that the National States are illegitimate administrative structures created to perpertuate apartheid policies. The policies which are formulated by the Department of Education and Training are also challenged by the students in particular, and lecturers in general, who argue that these policies are oppressive and therefore unacceptable. The negative perception held by students and lecturers on the current educational policies manifests itself in the emerging college culture of violence which is characterised by the rejection of current authority structures. Students seem to rely on coercion and intimidation as means of problem solving instead of the use of negotiation tactics. College policies therefore do not always serve as guides and thus cannot guarantee any consistency and continuity in the decisions that are made. In this way education policies do not empower the college authorities to be fully in charge of their institutions. Emerging from these findings are the following recommendations: * that education policy makers should consider various options which will encourage a wider spectrum of consultation and involvement of interest groups, including Thompson's model of policy development and redefinition cycle (in Monahan, 1982), Muschkat1 s (1986) morphological model and those of Saran and Kogan. that policy makers formulate policies which are based en the rule of law and on the principles of justice and fairness. It is hoped that this research will be a source of reference for further research in policy studies undertaken -especially— for postgraduate studies. It will also serve as a useful source material for educational policies in South Africa, especially with regard to colleges of education.
An investigation into the administrative procedures of teacher education in colleges of education in KwaZulu
(University of Zululand, 1992) Mkhize, Dlokwakhe Ephraim.; Thembela, A.J.; Gabela, R.V.
The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate haw KwaZulu Colleges of Education equipped teacher-trainees as prospective principals of schools with certain administrative procedures. The central view he Id by this study was that the nature of a teacher's work comprises bath teaching and administrative functions. This suggests that the nature of teacher education and training too, must of necessity, be seen to be acknowledging this reality- To attain the above idea 1, the "Teaching Science Course" must be restructured so that it is able to produce effective and efficient teachers, managers, administrators and leaders . The critical review of the Teaching Science Sylabus presented above < paragraph 2.IE), showed that the "Teaching Science Course" had no potential to produce the calibre of a teacher and school principal envisaged by this research. The researcher was satisfied that the study was successful because : A. FINDINGS It was able to reveal empirically, that the current programme of teacher education offered by KwaZulu Coleges of Education, did have certain flaws. Special attention was on the "Teaching Science Course" because it had as one of its components "school management and control"
Management development and training of principals in KwaZulu with specific reference to senior secondary schools
(1993) Mbatha, Leonard Thula; Nxumalo, O.E.H.M.
This research is concerned with the lack of specialised training in School Management for Principals under KwaZulu Department of Education and Culture. Central to this argument, is the fact that Principals are merely accorded a new status and role without the necessary training to bring about school effectiveness. Principalship today is very difficult in Black education. A Principal grapples with much more complex problems which call for a new emphasis in developing management competence, skills, abilities and knowledge. Many Principals have had to pick up much of their expertise whilst performing the job. The aim of this study was, therefore, to investigate and assess the 'INSET' programmes on school management in KwaZulu. Very important questions concerning the relevance of training, aims, content and methods were raised. A questionnaire was administered to 85 Principals of Senior Secondary Schools out of 115 targeted Principals drawn from 4 Regions of K.D.E.C., namely, South Coast, Midlands, Zululand and Northern Natal. In each region, two Circuits were selected and questionnaires were sent to all Principals. After data analysis of the Principals' questionnaire, it became necessary to send another questionnaire (different in nature) to 7 Directors or Co-ordinators of Non-Governmental Organisations identified in the Principals' questionnaire as being responsible for running 'INSET' programmes on management. The major findings that emerged from this study were:- - the need to provide continuous In-Service training on school management not only by Non-Governmental Organisations but also K.D.E.C. itself. - the need for K.D.E.C. to exercise control and guidance on Non-Governmental Organisations. Too many of them operate in KwaZulu in an unco-ordinated manner and this leads to duplication of the same programmes with varying approaches. The underlying problem was found to be the absence of a clearly-defined policy regarding In-Service training by K.D.E.C. - the existing 'INSET' activity on management by Non-Governmental Organisations was found to be directed mainly to Principals. Deputy-Principals and Heads of Departments had been ignored. It was only in 1991 that K.D.E.C. made an attempt to train some newly appointed Deputy-Principals whilst many still got promoted without any training. H.O.D's were found to have been completely ignored. - school principals would like to become involved in the planning, organisation and running of their In-Service training. The pattern of relying on the consultants from outside the profession, largely ignores the fact that some Principals are often experienced people with as much to offer as to receive. The study concludes with several recommendations, the most important ones being: - the formulation of a policy by K.D.E.C. based on a well-defined philosophy of management training. This can be achieved by establishing a fully-fledged section at Head Office to co-ordinate In-Service training to school principals rather than leaving it to Non-Governmental Organisations. These should undertake non-directive roles. In-Service training on school management should be for all levels of our system of education i.e. Lower Primary, Higher Primary, Secondary and Senior Secondary. The establishment of a Section at Head Office could easily co-ordinate and render such training. necessity for constant evaluation of all 'INSET' management programmes to ensure relevance.
Conflict management and resolution in Secondary Schools in KwaZulu
(1993) Ngcongo, Rejoice Phumelele; Nxumalo, O.E.H.M.
This research has looked into the methods which teachers and principals use to handle student-student, student-principal and student-teacher conflicts in KwaZulu secondary schools. It has revealed that teachers tend to use authoritarian and power based methods to manage conflicts with students. Authoritarian methods rely on coercive and position power to force students to comply. They include punishment and force of different kinds. The research has shown that authoritarian and power based methods of managing conflict in schools tend to have short term benefits only. The study has also found that some principals use competitive and authoritarian methods to manage conflicts which involve students. However, there is a definite effort by some principals to employ problem solving methods such as negotiation to solve conflicts with students. Where problem solving methods were used, positive relationships were enhanced. In some cases new ways of doing things at school were developed. The* extent to which other methods like avoidance and accommodation are used to deal with conflict was highlighted. The outcomes of these in schools were also shown. The research also indicated that the socio-economic and political history of education for Blacks in South Africa and KwaZulu, has created a great potential for conflict in schools. It was shown that schools in KwaZulu are in a situation where education does not adequately fulfill needs of students. As a result a lot of frustration occurs and students displace their feelings by resorting to socially disapproved means like violence. v(b) Other variables such as clash of values between teachers and students, misperceptions especially by students and lack of student involvement in decision making also contribute to conflict. According to the observations of principals, students also deal with conflict in aggressive and competitive ways. They demand whatever they believe they are deprived of; they become violent or resistant to school authority. Further, the study concluded that some teachers and principals increase the potential for conflicts in schools through defective management styles and negative interaction with students. The latter, namely negative interaction with students, was seen to be either part of estranged student-teacher or student-principal relationships or, in some cases, a result of poor communication and interpersonal skills of teachers or principals. All three parties (namely teachers, students and principals) cloud issues on conflicts by mixing them with emotions and by operating from certain belief systems. Such emotions as uncontrolled anger and resultant violence or beliefs that students cannot or may not participate in decisions at school, often worsened conflicts. The research discerned that a principal's or teacher's approach to managing conflicts tends to influence the outcomes.
The provision and effectiveness of guidance services in KwaZulu secondary schools : an exploratory study
(1994) Linda, T.T.; Thembela, A.J.
This study was born of the researcher's realization that pupils in KwaZulu secondary schools are apparently not being adequately exposed to guidance services. This the researcher outlined in Chapter 1. In Chapter 2 the researcher reviewed literature in order to formulate a conceptual framework on guidance and guidance services and in so doing formulate a background against which the study would proceed. In Chapter 3 the researcher conducted a comparative study of the provision and administration of guidance services in the KwaZulu Department of Education and Culture and the Natal Education Department. Differences in the provision and adminstration of guidance services were also highlighted. In Chapter 4 the researcher outlined the research conducted and the data-gathering instruments used as wel1 as the suitabi1ity of such instruments in the gathering of data. In Chapter 5 the researcher analysed and interpreted research data. A number of tables were used for this purpose. The data revealed inadequate provision for guidance services in KwaZulu. In Chapter 6 the researcher outlined his findings regarding the guidance services in KwaZulu. He also presented his recommendations regarding the setting up and improvement of guidance services in Kwa Zulu. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS 1. KwaZulu does not have enough guidance personnel. This is the case regarding head office, circuits and schools. The position in the schools is at its worst. Very few schools have ful1-time guidance teachers appointed by the Department of Education and Culture. 2. Facilities, equipment and materials for guidance are not adequately provided. 3. Principals of secondary schools have not on their initiative made enough provision for guidance services, e.g. appointing part-time guidance teachers from among the staff, organising careers days or involving agencies like the Career Information Centre and the Department of Manpower. 4. Research and evaluation as far as guidance services are concerned is lacking. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIOHS 1. The appointment of enough guidance personnel is of primary importance, especially at the schools. 2. The KwaZulu Department of Education and Culture must take a more active and authoritative role in ensuring that guidance is at least being taught at the schools. Schools must be made accountable for this. 3. The same department must improve communication with the schools, listen to their problems and react to such problems , needs and requirements. 4. Research and evaluation must be introduced in order to continually evaluate the effectiveness of guidance services in KwaZulu. This will also identify the how and where of improvements.
Conflict management as perceived by secondary school principals in the Natal region of the Department of Education and Training
(1994) Mlambo, Siphiwengesihle Thamsanqa Eustace; Thembela, A.J.
In this dissertation conflict is accepted to refer to divergent perceptions about a situation or issue. These perceptions which are inevitable have both; (i) the potential of promoting disordelines, ineffectiveness and inefficiency; and (ii) the potential for promoting order, effectiveness and efficiency. Conflict may have costs or benefits. The importance of conflict management as a management function should be appreciated against the background of what conflict is capable of contributing for and/or against the school. Conflict management in this dissertation therefore means a process or resolving excessive conflict without discouraging a reasonable sharing of different ideas for the best result. It refers to controlling the amount of conflict required for the school to perform in an orderly manner, efficiently and effectively. It is against this background that the rearcher embarked upon this study. He had observed that in secondary schools conflict seem to be always unproductive, for example boycott of classes, vandalism, violence on school premises, etc. These instances of conflict result in poor performance, high drop-out rate, withdrawal of parents from school matters, demotivation and non effective functioning of the school. The researcher purpoted to describe the secondary school principal's perception of conflict as it influences their perception of conflict management. He assumed that these principals perceived conflict negatively and they consequently perceived conflict management as conflict resolution. Research revealed that 51% of the principals actually perceived conflict negatively, that is, as a bad element that brings about chaos in the school, and consequently 53% actually perceived conflict management as conflict resolution. The researcher conceded that the perception of conflict does not always influence the perception of conflict management, for example the number of principals that perceived conflict management as conflict resolution dropped by 4% from those that perceived conflict negatively. Factors like qualification, school enrolment and actual experiences of conflict were also found to be influential in the perception of conflict and its management. The researcher concluded that secondary school principals in the Natal Region perceived conflict negatively and as a result they perceive conflict management as conflict resolution. He then identified a need for further education and training of school principals in the aspect of conflict management. Principals need to appreciate that conflict is not only inevitable but infact necessary for ensuring the development of the school and improving the quality of its service. If conflict is less than moderate it should be stimulated. Excessive conflict is dangerous for the school. It promotes disorder which results in inefficiency and ineffictiveness. If it is more than moderate it should be resolved.
Conflict management in staff-employer relations in education
(1996) Hlatshwayo, Herbert Mthandeni.; Ngcongo, R.G.P.
This study investigated the management of staff-employer conflict in schools in KwaZulu-Natal. The researcher has identified various approaches to conflict management in schools and has indicated implications of each approach in staff employer relations and in the education of students. The research has also highlighted, through a careful application of content analysis of cases of conflict, the significance of useful conflict management and resolution methods. Examples of these approaches are consensus and collaboration. Furthermore, the study has offered a review of the Education Labour Relations Act (Act 146 of 1993). This Act is pertinent to conflict management in South Africa. Finally, the research recommends that effective approaches to conflict management be used by superintendents of schools, principals and the Department of Education to facilitate the satisfaction of needs of people involved including those of students.
The transformational leadership role of principals in schools during transition
(1997) Mthabela, Bhekisisa Heavystone; Ngcongo, R.P.G.
This research examines the transformation leadership role of principals during the current transitional period. This study makes use of interviews and questionnaires to determine whether principals themselves as facilitators of transformation and whether it has an effect on transformation as seen by members of the governing body, teachers and students. Based on the opinions of respondents, the study concludes that principals in the areas where the study took place viewed as leaders in the transformation process, especially regarding school policy, school vision and curriculum. The research project as undertaken in various regions, found that although the majority of teachers and students principals as leaders in the transformation process saw a significant high proportion of these respondents who are unsure or disagreed that principals transformation export.
Participative management and the implementation of selected education policy documents in KwaZulu Natal schools
(1998) Chetty, Kistamah; Ngcongo, R.P.G.
This study was influenced by the post-democratic ideals for a radical transformation of education systems in South Africa. The various policy documents such as the South African Schools Act (1996), the Labour Relations Act (1995) and the Bill of Rights (1996) that mandate transformation in education systems, aroused interest in the workability and success of implementing these policies in schools. The empirical study, conducted in the Scottburgh District of KwaZulu Natal, attempts to identify gaps between transformatory policy directives that call for stakeholder participation, and management and governance practices within schoois. Data was solicited from a sample population of teachers by means of questionnaires. Both open and close-ended questions were used. The open-ended questions were aimed at verifying the findings that emanated from the quantitative data The observations made by teachers of school management practices, are reported. An analysis is also made of the relationship between the principal and the pupils, the teachers and the governing body. The following are reflected as key findings which emanated from the empirical study * There is a general lack of knowledge by educators and parents about both neu education policy documents that are emerging such as the South African Schools Act (1996). and local school policies that are to be implemented within specific schoois. * While the South African Schools' Act of 1996 calls participation of parents in policy decisions, more than 20% of the educators indicated that parents do not participate in decisions about, among others, the school's constitution, the learners' code of conduct, the admission policy and the school's budget. * Findings from responses to various questions indicate that there is no adequate information-flow between school governing bodies and the staff members. From the findings, it can be concluded that although it cannot be categorically stated that schools are implementing policies participatively by involving parents, learners and educators in the decision-making processes, a significant percentage of schools are incorporating relevant stakeholders in the management and governance of schools. The study concludes with a consideration recommendations which could lead to an improvement of stakeholder participation in the management and governance of schools

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