South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act No. 84 of 1996)RegulationsRegulations for Safety Measures at Public Schools7. Visits to public schools by public and political office bearers |
| (1) | Members of the public and political office bearers, public representatives and the media have a right to visit public schools in the interests of public accountability, but this right must be regulated to ensure that schools are not disrupted by such visits, and to avoid the politicization of such visits. This right is subjected to reasonable controls to ensure the proper functioning of education. |
| (2) | If such visits are desired, the person intending to visit must request and obtain written permission from the principal or HOD prior to the visit. The request must be made at least thirty days before the intended visit, unless there are sound reasons for a shorter notification period. This request must clearly indicate the date, time and purpose of the visit, the names of all participants, and the aspects which are intended to be looked at. The principal of the public school shall not refuse reasonable access to a person who has such written permission. |
| (3) | In cases where the written permission is granted by the HOD, the HOD, before granting such permission must consult the principal of the public school to be visited, to determine whether it is feasible for them to receive such a visit, and whether or hot the school programme is likely to be seriously affected thereby. |
| (4) | Wherever possible a Departmental office-based representative should accompany such visitors. |