Managing Incapacity Leave: Exploring the Experiences of Novice School Principals in Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District in South Africa
Thatahalo Hans Khumisi 
& Patricia Nthabiseng Soundy
Issue: Vol.6 No.8 Article 14 pp. 1464 – 1473
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20256814 | Published online 11th July, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Incapacity leave refers to a teacher’s inability to perform their professional duties and encompasses two categories: Temporary Incapacity Leave (1-29 days), which applies to short-term absences, and Long-term Temporary Incapacity Leave, which is available for absences exceeding 30 consecutive days. It is also applicable once sick leave has been exhausted. Effective management of incapacity leave is critical in preventing misuse and minimising lost work time within the public sector. Thus, this article explored the experiences of novice school principals in managing incapacity leave within the Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District of South Africa. The study used an interpretive research approach, grounded in leadership and situational theory, to investigate the challenges faced by newly appointed school principals in managing incapacity leave. Qualitative data were gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 10 newly appointed principals. Thematic analysis of the data revealed significant challenges, primarily due to insufficient empowerment workshops for orientation and guidance. The study revealed a significant knowledge gap and inadequate training on managing incapacity leave, particularly regarding the Policy and Procedure on Incapacity Leave and Ill-Health Retirement (PILIR). The policy’s primary objective is to prevent misuse of leave and establish support structures for employees struggling with incapacitation. The study recommends that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) appoint experienced, knowledgeable educators as school principals and provide regular empowerment workshops to ensure comprehensive orientation on leave management for newly appointed principals. The findings from this study aim to inform strategies that can enhance the capacity of newly appointed school principals to effectively implement PILIR policies within district schools.
Keywords: School Management, Leave Management, Incapacity Leave
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Mr. Khumisi Thatahalo Hans is currently a PhD candidate in Education at the Tshwane University of Technology, where he also earned his Master’s degree in Education. His research interests focus on educational management and leadership. Mr. Hans is a seasoned school principal, serving at Tselaathuto Secondary School in the Ba ga Mothibi Circuit under the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati Education District, North West Provincial Department of Education. He has one article accepted for publication, with another currently under peer review. In addition to his role as a principal, Mr. Hans is an active member of the Ba ga Mothibi Circuit Management Team. He has also contributed to local governance, having served on the Audit, Risk, Compliance, and Performance Management Committee of the Phokwane Local Municipality. Mr. Hans is registered with the South African Council for Educators (SACE).
Dr. Patricia Nthabiseng Soundy is a lecturer in the Department of Educational Foundation at the Tshwane University of Technology. She holds a Doctor of Education degree and is a registered psychometrist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Her research interests centre on inclusive education and the psycho-social challenges affecting various levels of the education system. Dr Soundy has presented at academic conferences, published articles in accredited journals, and contributed to book chapters. Recipient of the Excellent Presenter and Best Paper Award at the ISER International Conference, Singapore, 2019. In addition to lecturing undergraduate students, she supervises and co-supervises postgraduate students at Master’s and Doctoral levels. She also serves as the project coordinator for the B.Ed. (Hons) online programme and is an active member of both the Departmental and Faculty Research Committees. Dr Soundy is registered with the South African Council for Educators and is currently engaged in an international collaborative project with the British Council.
Khumisi, Thatahalo Hans, and Patricia Nthabiseng Soundy. “Managing Incapacity Leave: Exploring the Experiences of Novice School Principals in Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District in South Africa,” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no.8 (2025): 1464 – 1473. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20256814
© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
