Parents' perception of the South African education system and the power they hold with it

Abstract

Parents play a significant, if not essential, role in the education of their children. This role continues throughout a child's school years, where a parent's engagement with the syllabus, teachers, principals and governing bodies serves as a vital part of the school ecosystem. In turn, a parent's perception of the power they have over their child's safety and success at school, and the competence and transparency of the school's educators, play a role in the manner and extent to which a parent will engage with the schooling process. A mixedmethods study conducted by HSRC researchers outlines parents' beliefs about the safety and quality of the South African schooling system.