Strategies for promoting effective financial management practices in public schools: a case of Ehlanzeni District Mpumalanga Province

Abstract

Effective financial management practices are crucial for public schools to operate efficiently and achieve educational goals. However, many public schools in South Africa, particularly in rural areas, struggle with financial management due to limited resources and expertise. The aimed at identifying and evaluating strategies for promoting effective financial management practices in public schools in the Ehlanzeni district of Mpumalanga province. The study adopted a qualitative approach within the interpretative paradigm guidelines. A semi-structured interview was conducted with school principals, and questionnaires were administered to financial officers and SGB members to collect data. A purposive sampling method was used to select a sample of 30 participants from 10 public schools in the Ehlanzeni district. The study revealed challenges such as parental disengagement, skill gaps among school governing body members, lack of exposure to training, and limited fundraising in public schools within the Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga. Parental disengagement has caused a lack of oversight and accountability in public schools, leading to poor financial decisions and poor management of finances as a result. In response to these challenges, the study identifies a set of strategies aimed at promoting effective financial management practices. These include parental involvement strategies, training initiatives tailored to local needs, technology integration, community engagement events, financial literacy programmes, capacity building, regular internal audits, collaborative partnerships, and transparent reporting systems. These strategies are designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and financial literacy among stakeholders, thereby improving financial decision-making and management practices in public schools. By addressing these challenges and proposing actionable solutions, this research contributes to the body of knowledge on public school financial management in South Africa. It offers practical insights that can benefit public schools in the Ehlanzeni district of Mpumalanga province and serve as a model for improving financial management in similar contexts nationwide