Abstract:
The study reports on the challenges faced by women primary school principals from
the ZF Mgcawu District of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. South African
women in education school leadership positions are still facing various challenges
post democracy. The study was conducted from a feminine perspective and
employed the qualitative research methodology, allowing the researcher to collect
relevant data in a natural school setting. The research objectives were to identify
some of the challenges female primary school principals are faced with and to
recommend ways women could manage and cope with the perceived challenges
presented in school leadership positions. The convenience participant selection was
used to identify the four principals participating in the study. Three data collection
instruments were employed, namely semi structured interviews, open-ended
questionnaires and observations. Research results were analysed using critical
discourse analysis techniques as the studyprimarily focuses on women in school
leadership positions. Research findings suggest that female primary school
principals are able, competent and possess the necessary skills to effectively
manage and deal with the daily challenges such as managing their schools; its learner’s and staff members. Despite the challenges faced by women primary school
principals the study recommends governments and the Department of Education to
appoint more women to school leadership positions. With the necessary support,
women are capable of transforming and actively contributing to the future of South
African schools.
