The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools is attending the kick-off of the National Dialogue this weekend. With so many organisations that already withdrawn, is FEDSAS the proverbial ostrich with its head in the sand? Or is it rather a case of keeping an ear to the ground? Dr Jaco Deacon, CEO, explains.

Our country has many weaknesses but talking is not one of them: we hold conferences and lekgotlas, we appoint commissions and task teams, and we produce reports and policies. Alas, this is where it ends. We have very little show when it comes to implementation and taking action.

          I agree that the National Dialogue will be a big and expensive opportunity to talk. As one of my former colleagues remarked after a “successful” meeting with the ANC: “You know, I think we are at the threshold of … a huge disappointment.”

          So why is FEDSAS in Pretoria this weekend? Three reasons. The first is that there will be a dialogue, with or without us. We are there to get education high up on the agenda. Then we want to hear for ourselves what the plan (and budget) will be before we decide about our future involvement, and the nature of that involvement. And finally, we are there because we want to ask questions about why our existing democratically elected structures do not make provision for or are not open to these types of conversations.

          Politicians like to remind us that education is a societal issue and that it takes a village to raise a child. But the village is in big trouble …

          Our villages are run-down and full of potholes, with water and electricity available on and off. It is not safe, with very little visible policing. It is easy to find the clinic – just look for the long lines between the weeds and sewage in the street. This is the third-longest line in town. The second is the line at Home Affairs because the system is “off-line” again. The longest line is always at the grants, for many their only option.

          In these circumstances schools are expected to perform, to create opportunities, to find and keep the best educators, to keep learners safe. Schools cannot be separated from the deterioration of our communities.

          We need an urgent conversation about the rebuilding of our towns and cities, sufficient social support, professional services to communities and well-kept public facilities to allow schools to provide learners with opportunities to participate in sport and cultural activities. We need caring communities where children can relax and are sensibly and safely cared for after school.

          The biggest tragedy is that all of the above are widely known, with many a plan having been made over the years. We do not need more opportunities to talk; we need opportunities where our voices are heard. Elected leaders who listen attentively and have the willpower to do something. And that “something” should start with getting rid of people who were appointed to do the work but did nothing. It will require action … not the current leadership’s strong suit. 

          If we are not seen or heard now our only option would be to raise our voices in next year’s municipal elections and let our votes do the talking.

          We did not reach the point of a national dialogue because people are not willing to talk; we are here because people are not willing to listen. FEDSAS is there because what if – against all odds – the National Dialogue is a big and expensive opportunity to be heard?