In a statement earlier this year, the Deputy Public Protector, Adv. Kevin Malunga, said the impact of maladministration, bad governance and corruption threatens to derail the promise of the Constitution where every person’s full potential would be freed and realised. No more so does this ring true than in South African schools.

Disturbing examples of corruption throughout the education system are growing at the national, provincial, district and school levels. The Equal Education Law Centre (EELC) is a public interest law firm supporting struggles for equality and equity in the education system. The misuse of school funds or assets, favouritism in the appointment of staff (including the appointment of unqualified teachers to posts) and corruption in the procurement processes by school governing bodies, are among some of the complaints reported to the EELC.