Management of teaching and learning material in no-fee schools: The case of Ekangala Township in Tshwane Municipality

Abstract

The gist of this quantitative study was to empirically establish how no-fee schools manage their teaching and learning material (TLM), employing the case of Ekangala Township in Tshwane municipality. To accomplish this, the study seeks to empirically determine the functionality of financial resources, human resources, and procurement processes of TLM in no-fee schools. A cross-sectional design was adopted. A combination of purposive and stratified random sampling techniques was used to draw HODs, Deputy Principals, Principals, SGBs, educators and administrative officers, yielding a total sample of 101 respondents. Data was collected using a questionnaire and inferential statistics were used to establish validity.

The study was framed on the general systems theory, and the programme theory, used for converting research results to research findings. The preliminary findings revealed a linear relationship between effective management and budget processes of TLM, although not strong. However, there was no statistically significant linear relationship between management and procurement processes. The results concluded that there is ineffective management of TLM in no-fee schools in Ekangala Township. The researcher recommends that periodic audits be conducted when required, to ensure appropriate application and compliance with the policy. A further recommendation is the use of a Resource Management System (RMS), a web-based system designed to facilitate planning, online procurement, inventory updates and budget tracking of all TLM at schools at both district and provincial levels