Each governing body must draw up a constitution that says how it will work. The constitution must fit into the minimum requirements given by the provincial MEC for Education. The constitution must say:

• The governing body will meet at least once every school term
• A separate meeting will be held with each of these groups at least once a year: parents, learners, educators and other staff
• The governing body will report to parents, learners, educators and other staff at least once a year
• How minutes of governing body meetings must be kept

The provincial minister of education will publish these details:

• How the governing body will be elected
• How long members and office bearers may serve on a governing body
• How to remove a member from the governing body if there is a good reason For doing this
• How to fill a vacancy
• What sub-committees must be set up for example, an executive for day-to-day decisions, committees for fund-raising, finance, sport, staff appointments, school environment and health

Each committee chairperson must be a member of the governing body, but other committee members need not be on the governing body.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SGBS

The provincial MEC for Education must draw up a code of conduct for the members of the SGB after consultation with associations of governing bodies in each respective province. All members are required to comply with the code of conduct.

The code of conduct must include provisions that allow for disciplinary action to be taken against a member of the governing body and also protect the member who is being disciplined. The Head of Department may suspend or terminate the membership of a governing body member for breaking the code of conduct once proper disciplinary procedures in terms of the code have been followed. A member may appeal to the provincial MEC against a decision of the Head of Department regarding a suspension or termination of membership as a governing body member.