VALUES IN ACTION - Department of Basic Education

VALUES IN ACTION

A Manual in Constitutional Values and School Governanace for School Governing Bodies and Representative Councils

of Learners in South African Public Schools

Acknowledgements

The manual was produced by RolaBall Eduscript on behalf of the Department of Basic Education Race and Values, Gender Equity and School Management and Governance Directorates

in consultation with School Governing Body Associations.

RolaBall Eduscript

Project manager: Dr Patricia Watson

Writers: Julia Grey and Dr Patricia Watson

Vocabulary: Ella Kotze and Evelyn Menyoko

Photography: Sally Shorkend and GCIS

Design and Layout: Rizelle Stander-Hartmeier

Copy Editing: Phillippa yaa de Villiers

Translation: Department of Arts and Culture Language Services

ISBN: 978-1-4315-0398-8 March 2011

Department of Basic Education 222 Struben Street, Pretoria Tel: 012 357 3000 Fastline: 0800 202933 Fax: 012 323 0601

The Department of Basic Education reserves the right of publication. Intellectual information remains the property of the DBE and it may not be reproduced without obtaining prior permission

from the DBE or its Legal Section.

Foreword by the Minister

School Governing Bodies (SGBs)

framework imposes on them. Given mention of parental involvement

and Representative Councils of

these inadequacies, some SGBs

since, as part of realising goal 22

Learners (RCLs) are agents of

still feel disempowered to effect

of the Action Plan 2014: Towards

social change in our democratic meaningful change to their schools. the Realisation of Schooling,

schooling dispensation, guided

The Department of Basic

which promotes parental and

by the principles of accountability, Education has developed this

community participation in

fairness, transparency and equity. step-by-step training manual to

school governance. Strong SGBs

However, social exclusion and

help SGBs and RCLs improve their in the public education system,

discrimination on grounds such

governance capacity. The manual adequately empowered to

as race, gender, class, language, is a resource for all stakeholders

perform their roles, are a necessary

ethnicity and religion remain a

committed to fostering good

condition for parental involvement

challenge in most of our public

governance framed by human

and support.

schools. Discrimination is, of

rights principles and Constitutional This training manual is a result of

course, antithetical to the founding values. Through the training that

intradepartmental collaboration

values of our Constitution that

this manual supports, SGBs and

between the Gender Equity, Race

enjoins us to uphold human

RCLs will be better equipped to

& Values in Education and School

dignity, freedoms and the

work optimally in diverse schooling Management and Governance

advancement of human rights.

contexts. In essence, we see

Directorates. It is my pleasure to

The current education policy

SGBs and RCLs as the epitome of release this SGB and RCL Training

regime places particular emphasis grassroots democracy at work.

Manual and I would encourage

on SGBs in their role as gatekeepers In most situations, SGBs act

all government officials, SGBs, RCLs,

of the progressive intentions of our as a conduit between the

and our partners to use it for the

national policy framework. Similarly, parents and the school, thus

betterment of school governance.

the national system of basic

underscoring the critical role they It is our contention that this SGB/

education also looks to RCLs in its play. Accordingly, our Quality

RCL Training Manual will provide

quest to develop and entrench a

Learning and Teaching Campaign SGBs and RCLs with the requisite

democratic ethos and adherence (QLTC) places the same onus on knowledge, skills and value

to the founding values of our new parents, together with teachers,

base necessary in realising the

democratic dispensation. As a

learners, and the principal in

progressive intents of our national

department, we acknowledge that, ensuring that quality teaching

education policy framework. We

while there is clearly a strong will to and learning occurs, with all key

hope you find this manual useful in

make a difference, the hard reality stakeholders playing a role. The

developing the capacity of SGBs

is that many SGBs and RCLs do

manual has therefore been written and RCLs.

not have the benefit of adequate

to strengthen the component of

training in the sphere of values,

parental involvement (through

Mrs AM Motshekga, MP

human rights and attendant

the SGBs) in the education of

MINISTER: Basic Education

obligations that the human rights

their children. We make particular

2011

Contents

INTRODUCTION

6

Chapter 1

8

Our Constitutional values unite us

Appreciating our Constitution

Preamble to the Constitution

Understanding our Constitutional values: democracy;

social justice and equity; equality; non-racism and

non-sexism; ubuntu ? human dignity; an open

society; accountability; the rule of law; respect and

reconciliation

Chapter 3

24

Culture

Culture and human rights The law and culture

Rights of refugees and asylum seekers

Formulating your school's Mission Statement

Example of a school's Mission Statement

Learning from the News: Cultural insensitivity causes

conflict

Values in Action: Human rights and multicultural schools

Celebrate culture on Heritage day

Chapter 2

16 Chapter 4

34

Celebrating our national heritage and symbolism

Religion

Religion and human rights The law and religion

Putting values into practice

Formulating your school's Religious Policy

Preamble to the South African Schools Act

Example of a school's Religious Policy

Understanding the function of School Governing Bodies Learning from the news: Parent complains of school

(SGBs)

insensitivity to religious practices

Laws that SGBs should be familiar with

Values in Action: Understanding different approaches to

Steps SGBs should take drawing up a school policy

conflict

Understanding the functions of a Representative

Council of Learners (RCL) Human rights in action Human rights and SGB and RCL elections Right to privacy and confidentiality The right to be heard Human rights and school finances Relationship between school management and governance Human rights and managing differences Steps to understanding and overcoming our prejudices Identifying your own areas of intolerance

Chapter 5

42

Language

Language and human rights The law and language Formulating your school's Language Policy Example of a school's Language Policy Learning from the news: Intolerance of multilingualism divides school community Values in Action: Avoid repeating apartheid mistakes Celebrate all languages

Arm yourself with consciousness: identifying and

understanding different forms of intolerant behaviour

Chapter 6

50 Chapter 9

74

Race

Race and human rights The law and race Formulating your school's Statement of Commitment to Combat Racism Example of a Statement of Commitment to Combat Racism Learning from the news: `Race war' breaks out at school Values in Action: Understanding reconciliation Celebrating The Day of Reconciliation

Inclusive education

Inclusion and human rights The law and Special Needs Education Principles of an inclusive Admissions Policy Formulating your school's Admission Policy Example of an Admissions Policy Learning from the news: Secrets of successful schools Values in Action: Handling inclusion sensitively Celebrate Freedom Day

Chapter 10

82

Chapter 7

HIV and AIDS

58 HIV and AIDS and human rights

Gender and sexual orientation

The law and HIV and AIDS

Gender and sexual orientation and human rights

Formulating your school's HIV and AIDS Policy

Archbishop Desmond Tutu pleas for acceptance of

Example of an HIV and AIDS Policy

sexual diversity

Learning from the news: School campaigns for AIDS

Formulating your school's Statement of Commitment to awareness

promote acceptance of gender and sexual diversity

Values in Action: Understanding stigma

Example of a Statement of Commitment to promote

Supporting orphans and vulnerable children

acceptance of gender and sexual diversity

Celebrate World AIDS Day

Learning from the news: Learners unfairly suspended

from school

Chapter 11

90

Values in Action: The journey to learning acceptance Simon Nkoli: A struggle hero fighting for everyone's freedom Celebrating diversity

Safe schools

Safe schools and human rights The law and safe schools Formulating your school's Code of Conduct

Chapter 8

Example of a Code of Conduct for learners

66 Example of a Drug Policy

Gender and sexual violence and harassment Example of a Bullying Policy

Gender and human rights

Learning from the news: School takes action against

The law and gender

lawless learners

The DBE's policy of learner pregnancy

Education law on Search and Seizure

Step-by-step guide to managing sexual harassment and Values in Action: Understanding behavioural problems

violence at school

and promoting safe schools

Legal duties of educators to protect learners at school

Learning from the news: School sex scandal ends in crisis Chapter 12

100

Values in Action: Understanding power abuse and how to handle a crisis

Useful contacts and resources

Celebrate Women's Day

Introduction

Why this training manual is

Who should use this training

? Know how to develop and

important

manual

strengthen a human rights culture

While much of South Africa's

This training manual is primarily

at their school through SGB

oppressive and unjust past is

intended to support all those in the

policies and practice; and

well and truly behind us, there is

school community involved with

? Know how to govern their school

still some distance to go before

school governance and leadership, in line with the laws of the land,

we truly achieve the democratic,

whether they are parents or

and in a manner that provides

equitable society envisioned in our educators on the SGB, or learners

all on school grounds with a safe

Constitution.

who are members of RCLs.

and caring environment.

School Governing Body (SGB)

In addition, this training manual

and Representative Councils

will be of use to government

What you will find in this training

of Learners (RCLs) are the true

officials, NGOs and other

manual

grassroots champions of our new

stakeholders interested in

In Chapter 1, you will explore

democracy. They have the powers - supporting good governance at

the values that our constitution

and the responsibility - to shape the schools.

upholds. The values are:

quality of education in our country

democracy; social justice and

through exercising accountable,

The purpose of this training

equity; equality; non-racism

transparent and equitable

manual

and non-sexism; ubuntu and

governance.

By using this manual, SGB and RCL human dignity; an open society;

Schools are also the institutions primarily responsible for

members will: ? Understand our country's

accountability and responsibility; the rule of law; respect; and

developing young people into

Constitution and Bill of Rights

reconciliation. We discuss each of

active, responsible citizens in a

and how they relate to school

these values in the context of our

united, caring and economically

governance and leadership

schools.

developed South Africa. With the

practices;

support from our rights-based

? Understand our country's

In Chapter 2, you will understand

curriculum, such citizens most likely

Constitutional values and how

SGB and RCL functions in relation

to emerge from schools which

they relate to school governance to human rights. You will also reflect

embrace a culture of human rights, and leadership practices;

on your own prejudices using

and reflect this in their democratic ? Understand the importance of

the "Tolerance Barometer"; and

approach to governance.

a national identity and the role

increase your awareness of how

This training manual is therefore

that the national symbols play in the abuse of power undermines

designed to equip SGBs and RCLs

strengthening that identity;

human rights by learning to use the

with the skills they need to promote ? Understand the vision of the

"Consciousness Dial".

human rights and constitutional

Department of Basic Education

values within a democratic school

to ensure that relevant, high-

Chapters 3 to 11 explore human

culture, thereby contributing

quality education is accessible to rights and our Constitutional values

to social cohesion and nation

all learners, irrespective of race,

in relation to nine themes: culture;

building.

class, gender, sexual orientation, religion; language; race; gender

religion, ability, language, culture, and sexual orientation; gender;

HIV and AIDS, etc;

sexual harassment and abuse;

inclusive education; HIV and AIDS; ? Spotlight on Policy

? Values in Action

and safe schools.

In this section of each chapter,

In this section of each chapter,

Each of these nine chapters

you will find:

you will find:

contain the following elements,

Information about laws of the

Step-by-step suggestions of

designed to inform your SGB and

land related to the theme of the

strategies SGBs and RCLs can

RCL about the law and human

chapter;

use to deepen the values and

rights, and help you to apply the

A step-by-step guide to the

culture of human rights at their

principles of the law and the values

process of formulating school

school; and

they reflect in your governance and

policies and/or documents

National holidays and symbols

leadership practices:

which are in line with the laws

related to the theme being

of the land, in a democratic

explored that can be used as

? Introduction to the chapter and

manner; and

opportunities to express our

a "word tapestry"

An example of school policies

shared values and pride in our

Each chapter starts with a

and/or documents that can

national identity.

brief definition of the theme it

be used as references when

is exploring and links it to core

developing such a policy or

Chapter 12 provides a list of useful

values of human rights.

document for your school.

contacts for service providers

related to the themes explored in

The introduction also contains

? Learning from the News

the manual.These service providers

a "word tapestry".The idea of a

In this section of each chapter, can provide useful resources and

word tapestry is useful as it asks

you will find:

expertise to support schools.

us to share our understanding of

Newspaper articles that present

In addition, a list of documents

different ideas by building up a

real-life case studies of the

(such as laws, policies and

cluster of words linked to a main

theme being explored; and

guidelines) that SGBs and RCLs

idea. For example,

Important points illustrated in the should be familiar with is provided,

newspaper article for SGB and together with information about

What words can you add to this

RCL members to discuss so that where to find them.

word tapestry, which expresses

they can better understand the

an understanding of the word

relationship between the theme

"democracy"?

and human rights.

Democracy ? social justice - equity - equality ? nonracism ? non-sexism ? ubuntu ? human dignity ? open society ? accountability ? responsibility ? the rule of law ? respect ? vote ? reconciliation ? elections

1Our Constitutional values unite us In this chapter we understand the values that our constitution upholds.

South Africa's democracy is anchored* in the Constitution. Our Constitution is recognised around the world as a law that powerfully captures the spirit of human rights. All South Africans are legally bound by this supreme* law of the land. We are also inspired by the triumph* of humanity over oppression and injustice that our Constitution represents.

The Constitution guides School Governing Bodies (SGBs) and other school leadership structures, such as Representative Councils of Learners (RCLs) and School Management Teams (SMTs). It is therefore important that we take time to appreciate* the Constitution and the values that it upholds.

The Bill of Rights in the Constitution is a cornerstone* of our democracy in South Africa. It enshrines* the rights of all people in our country and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom.

ONE

CONSTITUTION

FOR ALL

SOUTH

AFRICANS

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