This is the RCL Hub, a platform to help learners contribute to school policies and shape their educational experiences.
A Representative Council of Learners (RCL) is an organised learner body that represents the interests of learners in schools. It is a democratic structure established to ensure that learners have a voice in the decision-making processes within their schools.
It is a platform that allows learners to express their opinions, contribute to school policies and actively participate in shaping their educational experiences. It aims to support learner leadership, empowerment and a sense of ownership among learners.
According to the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (No. 32 of 2024), every public school in South Africa with learners from Grade 8 and higher (that is, all public secondary schools) must establish an RCL.
Welcome to the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) Hub – a platform created to support and guide you in your leadership role. As members of your school’s RCL, you have a responsibility to represent your fellow learners and help create a fair and safe learning environment.
RCLs, alongside school governing bodies, are key to upholding the values of accountability, fairness and equality. Unfortunately, many schools still face challenges such as discrimination, exclusion and inequality based on race, gender, language and social background. These issues go against the principles of our Constitution, which protects human dignity, freedom and the rights of all learners. As student leaders, you have the opportunity to take action and help build a school where everyone is treated with respect.
Your leadership is especially important in tackling issues such as school-related gender-based violence, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. By raising awareness, supporting your peers and working with teachers and school management, you can help ensure that schools are safe for everyone.
This portal is here to give you the information and tools you need to be an effective leader.
Dr Makgabo Reginah Mhaule
Deputy Minister of Basic Education
Dear leaders
Well done on being selected to your school’s Representative Council of Learners – an important part of our school system. As RCL members, you have the responsibility to promote fairness and help create safe and inclusive schools where every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
As the Minister of Basic Education has stated, an RCL is founded on the belief that every learner has the potential to be a positive force for change. By participating in activities, you build a stronger and fairer learning environment – not only for yourself but for those who come after you.
I also want to acknowledge the hard work of educators and administrators who provide practical guidance to strengthen learner leadership in our schools. I encourage you to apply these lessons to make a real difference.
Good leaders don’t work alone – support each other, listen to different views and work as a team to improve your school. The more you put into this role, the more you will get out of it.
RCL structure
An RCL’s structure begins with the democratic election of learner representatives across grades in all classes in a school. These representatives, nominated by their peers, undergo a selection process through voting that may include campaigning by the learners. Once elected, the RCL members form a core leadership body, like a parliament of learners made up of elected class representatives tasked with representing the interests and concerns of all learners in the school.
The RCL structure includes executive positions such as president, deputy president, secretary, deputy secretary, treasurer and chairpersons for subcommittees on arts and culture, academics, and school safety, etc., each with specific responsibilities and duties. Additionally, these established subcommittees or working groups address specific issues or initiatives within the school community. Overall, the RCL structure is founded on principles of democracy, inclusivity and learner participation, aiming to empower learners to actively engage in the decision-making processes that affect their educational experience.
RCL elections provide an excellent opportunity for learners to elect leaders who reflect the school community and who will represent the interests of all learners. In addition, school electoral teams are encouraged to develop their own advocacy strategies to encourage learners to participate in the elections and ensure that capable candidates are elected.
Regularly meet with, and account to, the learners. Provide leadership and direction to the RCL
Develop and implement an RCL finance policy together with the SGB treasurer
Coordinate the establishment of an RCL and its annual election. Lead additional sub-committees such as: Sports, Arts and Culture, Academics and School Safety
Monitor the implementation of the decisions and help the RCL to work effectively
Regularly meet with, and account to, the learners. Provide leadership and direction to the RCL
Develop and implement an RCL finance policy together with the SGB treasurer
Coordinate the establishment of an RCL and its annual election. Lead additional sub-committees such as: Sports, Arts and Culture, Academics and School Safety
Monitor the implementation of the decisions and help the RCL to work effectively
Partners
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