School as Employer – SASA Overview
Under SASA, public schools operate as structured legal entities with defined governance responsibilities. While the State remains the primary employer of educators, School Governing Bodies (SGBs) play a pivotal role in employment-related decisions.
Key Functions:
- Appointment Authority: SGBs recommend educator appointments to the Head of Department, ensuring alignment with school needs and values.
- Additional Staff Employment: SGBs may employ educators and support staff directly, funded through school fees or donations.
- Governance Oversight: SGBs manage contracts, performance, and discipline for staff they appoint, within legal and policy frameworks.
- Policy Alignment: All employment actions must comply with SASA, the Employment of Educators Act, and relevant labour laws.
Why It Matters:
This framework empowers schools to shape their staffing in ways that reflect community priorities, while maintaining accountability to provincial and national standards.