parents and principals as partners in creating a culture of learning

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Unions such as SADTU and COSAS act as gatekeepers through
which all information and communication, either in or out, must be
channelled. Those who are not members of these organisations
mostly refrain from voicing their opinion for fear of retaliation.
The effect is a monopoly for the unions and a violation of true
democracy.
2.4 PROBLEMS CONCERNING HOMES OF PUPILS AND THEIR
LIVING ENVIRONMENT
Political, economic and social change is taking place in South Africa. The South
African society and its value system is also changing and in certain respects it has
a negative effect on the family. In South Africa, in the previous century, people's
whole lives centred around the family. The extended family and kinship networks
which included strong kinship bonds, adaptability of family roles, strong religious
orientation, emotional support and strong survival and socioeconomic skills were
a uniting force. People lived in close proximity. Previously, family dinners were
places where families gathered to share the day's news and plan for the next day.
Children learnt most of their values in the family situation and strong family ties
existed (Munnik & Swanepoel, 1990:18-22).
Today, modern members of society according to Van Wyk (l996a:27) are
expected to participate in the activities of many different groups. Family members
belong to different organisations, sport clubs and have diverse hobbies. Nowadays
each family member is involved with his or her own interests. Parents have hectic
schedules and the family members rarely find themselves together at the dinner
hour. Mothers used to stay at home and take care of the house and the children.
This is no longer the case today because the majority of married women have
outside jobs. Although this is not an argument for mothers to stay at home,
families need to share some time together. The reason for this is that the family