The school governing body elections are started at every school across the country on Monday.
These are the largest public elections after national, provincial and local elections in the country as more than five million people usually cast their votes for the SGBs.
Parents are being urged to participate fully in the nomination and election of members to ensure that the school serves the best interests of their children.
According to the South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act 84 of 1996) (SASA), school governing bodies (SGBs) are to be elected every three years
School governing bodies are an integral part of the education system.
This statutory constituted body's role is central to a successful education system.
School governing bodies as custodians of democracy in our schools must also mirror the diverse cultures of communities in which the schools belong.
They must provide a structure for public accountability and provide a platform for parents to influence the direction that the school takes in educating children in a diverse and democratic country.