It is well-known in many rural and township schools that for one to be appointed into the position of principal, one should come from a prominent family background or one should be a comrade, or have good connections with union leadership.

The many years that people spent teaching should not be used as a measuring stick when appointing principals. It is experience that counts.

We have people who have been in the teaching field for years, but have nothing to share with new recruits.

It is this "political correctness" and other requirements that are depriving us of quality leadership in schools, hence the poor matric results.

The education minister must also look at primary schools. Children are pushed through the grades even when they can't read or write properly.

Empower principals through training workshops and provide working manuals and managerial skills. Demoting them will demoralise the teaching profession.