Teacher and pupil perceptions on the role of principals in the new educational dispensation in South Africa

Abstract

The education system in South Africa is undergoing transitional change therefore the principal's role and perceptions concerning this role also become affected. Traditionally principals managed schools without opposition from teachers and pupils because of authority and power vested on them by the Department of Education and Training . Presently this traditional role of the principal is contested by teachers and pupils to such an extent that principals are chased away from their schools. In this study empirical research is employed in order to assess the perceptions that teachers and pupils have on the role of the principal. According to responses, the teachers as well as the pupils prefer an open, democratic principal. The conclusion therefore is ·that the teachers and pupils' perceptions about the role of the principal have changed. They are not prepared to be passive any more and are demanding participation in management.