An investigation into the selection and appointment of educators to the position of head of department in three primary schools in the Kwandengezi circuit of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education and Culture.

Abstract

The appointment and selection of the Head of Department (HOD) is the most important task that the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education and Culture (KZNEDC) and the School Governing Body (SGB) must undertake. It is the task of the KZNEDC to encourage the best people to apply for the HOD post from whom the SGB can select the best candidate for the job. Yet, from time to time, the newspapers report on the selection of HODs that has been disputed. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the selection and appointment of educators to the position of Head of Department in three primary schools in the KwaNdengezi Circuit of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education and Culture. The main focus was to explore the views of the principals and educators in these primary schools. The study probes the opinions of the primary school principals and educators regarding the selection procedures used in primary schools. It also seeks their opinions why the process was disputed in some instances. The study starts by analysing the selection procedures for the appointment of educators to the post, Head of Department, in the primary schools in the KwaNdengezi Circuit in KwaZulu- Natal. In finding out the views of the principals and of the educators, a survey was conducted in three primary schools in the KwaNdengezi Circuit. A questionnaire was administered. The study has found that there are selection procedures provided by the National Department of Education. These selection procedures are not properly followed, thus disputes were declared in some instances. On the basis of this exploration, suggestions were rendered on how the selection and appointment process could be improved in the future.