Resumo

KRUGER, Johan H.C.  e  DU PLESSIS, Andre. The challenges of principals' dual roles in South African public schools: balancing policy implementation and stakeholder dynamics. Koers (Online) [online]. 2025, vol.90, n.1, pp.1-12. ISSN 2304-8557.  https://doi.org/10.19108/KOERS.90.1.2577.

Principals play a central role in the implementation of educational policies, functioning as intermediaries between the Department of Basic Education and school governing bodies. In their dual capacities as representatives of the head of department and ex-offlcio members of governing bodies, principals significantly influence the operationalisation of both nationa and local policies within schools. These responsibilities shape their interactions with both the employer and the governing body. This study explores the challenges that principals encounter in fulfilling their dual roles in policy implementation, particularly as they navigate and attempt to reconcile often conflicting expectations. Employing a qualitative research methodology and an exploratory case study design, data were systematically collected and analysed through coding techniques. The findings reveal the complex landscape principals navigate, characterised by tensions between directives from the Department of Basic Education and the advocacy of schoo governing bodies, which reflect parental interests. The study further underscores the importance of integrating democratic principles and Christian values into the implementation of educationa policies, advocating for inclusive participation, shared decision-making, and mutual respect -principles deemed essential for fostering just and effective governance within schools.

Palavras-chave : Autonomy; cooperative governance; dysfunctional school; functional schools professional management.

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