Effective school governing bodies: parental involvement

English: This article investigates how parents can best be involved in school governing bodies (SGBs). The study adopts a qualitative approach, using focus group interviews. The findings suggest that the context within which schools operate plays a major role in the effective functioning of SGBs. The latter are perceived to be fraught with corruption – usurping powers bestowed upon them – as well as with difficult power relations leading to exclusion of some parents. The study provides recommendations of how best parents can be involved in SGBs for the effective functioning of the school.