Bayeni, Sibusiso Douglas.Mthembu, Bongani.2014-11-202014-11-2020132013http://hdl.handle.net/10413/11622M. Ed. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2013.This research presents an understanding of the supervisory roles of heads of departments (HODs) in rural primary schools. In documenting the roles of heads of departments, I employed a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with two post level one educators, two HODs and one principal in their real settings. In collecting data from participants I interviewed the aforementioned participants individually. Through interviews with every participant on the question of supervisory roles, it became clear how HODs struggled in the execution of their dual roles. Emerging from all participants is that HODs had a challenging workload, which stretched beyond teaching. In addition to normal teaching, they were expected to supervise their colleagues in the subject departments they were heading with an aim to render support to their colleagues. While HODs held office as heads of department within the hierarchical structures, they were however, unable to carry out their supervisory roles beyond teaching because of their 100% teaching load and being class teachers themselves.en-ZASupervisory control systems.School management and organization.Theses--Education.Thesis