School principalship has evolved over the years. The dawn of democracy in South Africa has brought with it a myriad of changes which are demanding to both novice and experienced principal. The study is based on the premise that there are challenges facing school principals within the current democratic milieu. The research study aimed at arriving at an exploration of the demands posed by democracy in schools. The study adopted a Qualitative approach based on an interpretivism paradigm. A lacuna of literature was reviewed to gain insight on the concept: democracy in education. The population of the study is school principals within the Rustenburg Area Project Office structured interviews were used to collect audio – taped data. The data was analysed and collapsed in categories which subsequently themes were indentified. The identified themes with literature reviewed were condensed into findings. The findings had a direct link to literature renewed in previous chapters. Recommendations and suggestions for further research finalised the study. Principals are facing challenges in their leadership roles within a democratic milieu. / MEd (Education Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

School principalship has evolved over the years. The dawn of democracy in South Africa has brought with it a myriad of changes which are demanding to both novice and experienced principal. The study is based on the premise that there are challenges facing school principals within the current democratic milieu. The research study aimed at arriving at an exploration of the demands posed by democracy in schools. The study adopted a Qualitative approach based on an interpretivism paradigm. A lacuna of literature was reviewed to gain insight on the concept: democracy in education. The population of the study is school principals within the Rustenburg Area Project Office structured interviews were used to collect audio – taped data. The data was analysed and collapsed in categories which subsequently themes were indentified. The identified themes with literature reviewed were condensed into findings. The findings had a direct link to literature renewed in previous chapters. Recommendations and suggestions for further research finalised the study. Principals are facing challenges in their leadership roles within a democratic milieu. / MEd (Education Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014