Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools explained

Leader Title:CEO
Leader Name:Dr. Jaco Deacon
Formerly:Federation of State Aided Schools
Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools
Vat Id:(for non-profit org) -->
Location:Bloemfontein, South Africa
Membership:2,000
Owners:-->

The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (FEDSAS), is one of several recognised voluntary associations of school governing bodies[1] (SGBs) in South Africa contemplated in the South African Schools Act, 1996.[2] [3] It was founded in 1993, before SGBs were mandated by the 1996 act,[4] as an association of predominantly Afrikaans-medium schools then accommodating white South Africans.[5]

After the first democratic elections in South Africa, it became a national representative organisation for school governing bodies across all races and official languages, which informs, organises, mobilises and develops its members to achieve and uphold the highest recognised international educational standards. It serves on National and Provincial Consultative Forums with education role players and the Department of Basic Education.

FEDSAS has been a recognised opinion leader and role-player in public education at national and provincial level for more than 28 years.[6] The National Office is situated in Bloemfontein with provincial offices in all 9 provinces. The organisation assists school governing bodies across the entire spectrum of school governance, including staff appointments, labour relations, strategic planning and financial management. FEDSAS stays informed about changes and restructuring in education and advise its members accordingly. It functions as a democratic, non-political organisation and its members elect their leaders annually.

As of 2022, its membership comprises the SGBs of over 2,000 public schools, including all 11 official languages single-medium and dual-medium schools.[7] FEDSAS has defended Afrikaans linguistic rights in several cases, but advocates that every learner should receive education in their mother-tongue.[8] [9] [10] [11]

Leadership

Jaco Deacon (CEO) 2021 -

Shaun Mellors (Chairperson of National Council) 2021 -

Paul Colditz (CEO) 2007-2021

Erhard Wolf (Chairperson of National Council) 2009 - 2021Dr. Shaun Mellors (2022 -)

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: School Governing Bodies: Play Your Part. Department of Basic Education Republic of South Africa.
  2. News: Gauteng targeting Afrikaans school – Fedsas . 18 October 2014 . IOL . SAPA . 18 March 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150403043358/http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng-targeting-afrikaans-school-fedsas-1.476836 . 3 April 2015 . live .
  3. Web site: South African Schools Act No. 84 of 1996 . Department of Basic Education . 18 October 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140730064407/http://www.education.gov.za/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=808cFmkP8U4= . 30 July 2014 . live .
  4. van Wyk. Noleen. The rights and roles of parents on school governing bodies in South Africa. International Journal About Parents in Education. 2007. 1. 132–139. 18 October 2014.
  5. Web site: Review of School Governance in South African Public Schools. December 2003. 187–188. Department of Basic Education. 18 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141011021321/http://www.education.gov.za/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=YxIgIdWpFrg%3D&tabid=358&mid=1301. 11 October 2014. dead.
  6. Web site: Minister of Basic Education praises FEDSAS for 25 years as 'reliable and respected education partner'; promises greater focus on community involvement. 25 November 2018. www.fedsas.org.za. 9 September 2019. 26 January 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190126021439/http://www.fedsas.org.za/Media/Article/21357/. dead.
  7. Book: Lubbe. Johan. du Plessis. Theodorus. South African Language Rights Monitor 2010: Ninth report on the South African Language Rights Monitor Project. 2014. AFRICAN SUN MeDIA. 9781920382575. 14. 18 October 2014.
  8. Web site: Ermelo High School v MDE (Language policy) - Constitutional Court Judgment. 14 October 2009. SAFLII - Southern African Legal Information Institute.
  9. Web site: International Mother Language Day. 4 October 2018.
  10. Book: Giandomenico. Sica. Open Problems in linguistics and lexicography. 2006. Polimetrica. Monza. 9788876990519. 90. 18 October 2014.
  11. Book: Liebenberg. Sandra. Socio-Economic Rights: Adjudication under a transformative constitution. 2010. Juta. Claremont. 9780702184802. 512. 18 October 2014.