An overview of an ombud office to enhance co-operation between School Governing Bodies and the Department of Education

Abstract

There is ample evidence that the relationships between some school governing bodies (SGBs), provincial departments of education (DBEs) and the national Department of Education (DBE) are strained. In some instances, the parties resort to the courts to adjudicate the matter. This is contrary to the constitutional imperative of cooperation among organs of state and that litigation should be the last resort. This article provides an overview of the different generations of ombudsman offices, the range of powers that can be conferred upon them and the general advantages that an ombudsman office have. It also investigates the suitability of an ombudsman office to address the conflict among the mentioned stakeholders and to enhance cooperation among them.