Hon Speaker, I would like to thank the hon member for his question. We must recognise that the role, responsibilities and functions of principals are somewhat unique and distinctive. To that end, there is a strong argument that principals, being professional leaders and managers of schools, should have special skills, particularly with regard to governance, implementation of the curriculum, financial management and the ability to liaise with communities.
There is also a view that the locus of a principal is an extension of a head of department in the sense that he or she acts as a functionary of the department in fulfilling its strategic objectives. Most political parties, if not all of them, share the view that there should be a distinction in the appointment of principals, as opposed to educators, given the importance of that particular role.
For these reasons, the Department of Basic Education, having listened to the political parties and other stakeholders, as well as analysts, is of the view that a review is necessary in terms of ensuring that we look at a procedure where the efficiency and competence of the principal becomes a pre-eminent function, rather than the choice of a governing body, especially where it does not have the capacity to distinguish between an efficient and competent leader and manager and one that is more competent and efficient. I thank you.