Policy on the South African standard for principalship

"The Department of Basic Education believes that it is imperative to establish a clear and agreed understanding of what the South African education system expects of those who are, or aspire to be, entrusted with the leadership and management of schools. Currently, no common and universally accepted understanding exists, although limited definitions are included in both the Personnel Administrative Measures and the appraisal system. Therefore, the DBE has developed the Policy on the South African Standard for Principalship (‘the Standard’), which fully defines the role of school principals and the key aspects of professionalism, image and competencies required. This will also serve as a policy to address professional leadership and management development needs." 

"The Standard provides a clear role description for school leaders and sets out what is required of the principal. Principals working with school management teams (SMTs), school governing bodies (SGBs), representative councils of learners (RCLs) and wider communities must effectively manage, support and promote the best quality teaching and learning, the purpose of which is to enable learners to attain the highest levels of achievement for their own good, the good of their community and the good of the country as a whole."