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Exploring the inter-relationships between leadership, management, and governance in enhancing performance in quintile 1 primary schools
Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2026.
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
2026
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| _version_ | 1867613781151973376 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author | Muller, Gregorius Daniel |
| author2 | Davids, Nuraan |
| author_browse | Davids, Nuraan Muller, Gregorius Daniel |
| author_facet | Davids, Nuraan Muller, Gregorius Daniel |
| author_sort | Muller, Gregorius Daniel |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | Stellenbosch University |
| description | Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2026. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/136128 |
| institution | Stellenbosch University (South Africa) |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:41:35.993Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| publishDateRange | 2026 |
| publishDateSort | 2026 |
| publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| publisherStr | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| spelling | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/136128 Exploring the inter-relationships between leadership, management, and governance in enhancing performance in quintile 1 primary schools Muller, Gregorius Daniel Davids, Nuraan Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Education Policy Studies. Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2026. Muller, G. D. 2026. Exploring the inter-relationships between leadership, management, and governance in enhancing performance in quintile 1 primary schools. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/2022b9cb-2610-4925-a173-aad767c283ba Despite the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa’s education system remains deeply affected by its legacy of racial segregation, with stark disparities between well-performing, affluent urban schools and under-resourced, low-performing schools in economically disadvantaged areas. These disparities manifest in infrastructure, teacher quality, learner outcomes, and access to educational resources. While some efforts have been made to redress these imbalances through policy reforms and targeted interventions, many disadvantaged schools continue to face challenges such as overcrowding, poverty, and limited support. However, some poor schools have demonstrated resilience and high performance, often attributed to effective leadership, management, and governance practices. This study aimed to understand the lived experiences and contextual realities of such practices in Quintile 1 primary schools in the Cape Winelands, examining how these interrelated functions contribute to school improvement. The research participants comprised thirty individuals: six principals, twelve members of the senior management team (SMT), and twelve members of the school governing body (SGB). By adopting an interpretivist approach, the study sought to address the following research objectives: (1) To explore the typical conditions, challenges, and good practices at well-performing Quintile 1 primary schools; (2) To understand the roles and relationships of leadership, management and governance practices in enhancing the performance of Quintile 1 schools; (3) To explore and identify the kinds of leadership, management and governance practices that contribute to the overall performance of Quintile 1 schools; (4) To understand the creative and innovative practices in leadership, management, and governance in enhancing the performance of Quintile 1 primary schools; (5) To investigate policy implications that could support the implementation of effective leadership, management, and governance practices in Quintile 1 schools. The key findings of the study were as follows: Multidimensional poverty (unemployment, food insecurity, substance abuse) severely impacts learner attendance, health, and academic focus; committed teachers go beyond duty, providing supplies, extra lessons, and learner safety; principals use transformational, collaborative leadership to inspire shared ownership and high expectations; SMTs lead multi-level planning and data-driven monitoring, ensuring curriculum continuity despite resource strain; governance effectiveness depends on trust, role clarity, and consistent collaboration with SMTs, despite challenges; and collaborative leadership and management structures replace rigid hierarchies, fostering ownership and innovation. Policy implications of the study include the funding of school infrastructure, transport, and support staff to empower school leadership; enhancing school leadership development and curriculum flexibility; reforming funding models and formalise school partnerships; strengthening SGBs with training and clear governance; and integrating school improvements with policies addressing poverty, attendance, and well-being. Doctoral 2026-04-23T07:30:35Z 2026-04-23T07:30:35Z 2026-03 Thesis https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/136128 en Stellenbosch University 311 pages application/pdf Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| spellingShingle | Muller, Gregorius Daniel Exploring the inter-relationships between leadership, management, and governance in enhancing performance in quintile 1 primary schools |
| title | Exploring the inter-relationships between leadership, management, and governance in enhancing performance in quintile 1 primary schools |
| title_full | Exploring the inter-relationships between leadership, management, and governance in enhancing performance in quintile 1 primary schools |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the inter-relationships between leadership, management, and governance in enhancing performance in quintile 1 primary schools |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the inter-relationships between leadership, management, and governance in enhancing performance in quintile 1 primary schools |
| title_short | Exploring the inter-relationships between leadership, management, and governance in enhancing performance in quintile 1 primary schools |
| title_sort | exploring the inter relationships between leadership management and governance in enhancing performance in quintile 1 primary schools |
| url | https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/136128 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT mullergregoriusdaniel exploringtheinterrelationshipsbetweenleadershipmanagementandgovernanceinenhancingperformanceinquintile1primaryschools |