The role of co-operation between stakeholders in the effective delivery of education in KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

This study focuses specifically on stakeholder co-operation in the Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal. Its aim is threefold: (i) to establish the nature of the relationship between different stakeholders such as the provincial department of education in KZN, SMTs, SGBs, parents and teachers’ unions; (ii) to investigate how such relationship promotes and/or obstructs effective delivery of education in the KZN province; and, most important, (iii) to identify possible strategies that could be used to foster stakeholder co-operation in this province thereby ensuring effective delivery of education. This article is not elitist in nature in the sense that it does not dwell on what could be termed ‘high politics’. Most of the informants used in the discussion groups, interviews, and questionnaires are those tasked to implement education policies on the ground. Focusing on these stakeholders is useful because they are closest to where things happen and therefore talk about real issues that emerge when education policies are being implemented. However, it would be inappropriate to address these issues without first providing a historical background of stakeholder co-operation in South African education to provide the context in which the present study should be viewed. As Kenya’s former president, Daniel arap Moi, once put it, ‘‘. . . those who understand their past have confidence to face the future’’ (Kenya Times, 21 October 2002).