Challenges faced by principals in promoting sustainable and equitable funding of schools at Umlalazi Circuit in King Cetshwayo District
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Date
2023
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Abstract
This study investigated the challenges faced by secondary school principals in promoting sustainable and equitable funding at UMlalazi Circuit in King Cetshwayo District. The parents and teachers are dissatisfied with the administration and management of funds at levels of the education departments starting from the province down to schools. The principals facing these challenges of funding daily have motivated the researcher to conduct this research. Most schools, in particular the no-fee schools, are struggling when it comes to, matters involving money because their income is from the Department of Basic Education. The study has alerted the stakeholders in education to do introspection on equity and justice in the funding of schools. It is believed that once these challenges are scrutinised, they will remedy the situation. An interpretive paradigm was used and the research design was qualitative. The data were generated using literature review and empirical research. Data gathering techniques used were the semi-structured interviews for all participants, (school principals’ focus groups and all SMTs including deputy principals). Observation and document analysis were used to analyse the data thematic.
The tools used during the data collection process were an interview schedule, observation checklist and voice recorders. The research covers areas which include problems encountered by the principals resulting in poor funding, the role of the principals in promoting sustainable and equitable funding and the measures to be employed in solving the problems encountered. The findings indicated that some practices and policies of the Department, mismanagement, maladministration and misappropriation of funds affect the smooth running of the schools. The no-fee schools are all challenged but the complexity of problems encountered varies. Recommendations made include reviewing Departmental policies and practices, training the principals and finance committees on financial management and the need for stakeholders to join hands in improving the financial situation in schools.
Description
Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Education to fulfil the requirements for Master of Education in Educational Foundations and Management at the University of Zululand, South Africa.