Corruption or incapabilities: Why do schools fail to adhere to good financial management?.

Abstract

This empirical qualitative study examined whether failures in financial management in public schools were primarily the result of corruption, incapabilities or broader systemic weaknesses. The study aimed to promote effective governance by exploring the financial administration of public schools in the City of Tshwane, South Africa. Specifically, it explored existing fiscal management practices, assessed the financial skills of officials responsible for managing school funds, identified gaps in budgeting and procurement processes and developed mechanisms to address these shortcomings. An interpretive paradigm and a case study design were employed, and data were generated through semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The findings show that many schools struggle with proper financial management owing to limited financial skills, weak internal controls, heavy administrative demands, complex policy requirements and occasional unethical conduct. Oversight bodies, including the Auditor-General of South Africa, continue to report governance shortcomings that hinder the functioning of schools. To address these challenges, the study recommends replacing once-off workshops with continuous, hands-on training supported by coaching and mentorship. It also proposes using the Framework for Sustainable School Financial Governance (FSSFG) to strengthen financial practices. Overall, the research deepens understanding of financial governance in South African public schools and offers practical strategies to improve financial management systems..