The Impact Continues: 15 Years, 2,124 Business-Education Partnerships and Counting 

In a celebration of leadership and partnership, Citizen Leader Lab honoured the achievements of its latest Leaders for Education cohort in Johannesburg on 15 March at IQ Business Park, Rivonia. The event showcased how collaboration between schools and businesses is transforming education and communities. 

For 12 months, school principals and business leaders learned, collaborated and grew as conscious leaders. With the guidance of an accredited coach, they attended top-tier leadership workshops, received professional coaching and accessed valuable learning resources. Drawing on their diverse expertise, they tackled school leadership challenges and developed solutions to support learners, teachers and communities. 

Since 2010, Citizen Leader Lab has been at the forefront of strengthening leadership in both the public and private sectors. Through 2,124 business-education partnerships, the organisation has equipped principals with the skills, confidence and social capital to lead change in their schools, while giving business leaders the opportunity to actively contribute to South Africa’s future. 

As this cohort reflected on their journey, their stories spoke of resilience, growth and a collective commitment to steering social change. 

Kay Moodley, an Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker and Professional Management Business Coach, facilitated this cohort, helping participants navigate their leadership journey 

“A year ago, we weren’t familiar with each other, but we came together to learn, joined by a common purpose to be active citizens. This journey has not been linear, but despite your own personal challenges, each and every one of you showed up and were present. Congratulations — you have played a part in creating the future we want!” 

Rehana Jardine, Principal of UJ Academy  

‘’My business leader partner taught me to be brave and to not stop myself. We committed to supporting each other, and sometimes that support was not necessarily tangible. 

At school level, I have implemented ‘circle meetings’, embraced community building principles and transformed our parents’ meetings. I have learned to speak to people rather than at them, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.” 

Kopano Cowen, CEO of Connect TV and COO of Baza Creative Media 

“My year has been characterised by so many paradigm shifts, and I have gained a whole new network from different industries.  

It has been particularly rewarding to walk a mile in the shoes of the principals I’ve worked with. I am especially proud of the work done with my principal partner to embrace social media at the UJ academy, and I am excited to see how I can further inject creativity into the school.” 

Annah Thobejane, Principal of Thutopele Secondary 

‘’As a newly appointed principal, what was important for my school and my team was creating a serious, committed school culture based on teamwork. I noticed a shift in energy and mindset within my team since I began this programme. We now actively involve teachers and staff, encouraging them to learn from each other.” 

Mike Wood, Management Consultant at The Growth Collective 

“My principal partner, Annah, deeply cares and is highly committed to a school of over 1,700 learners.  

This journey gave me a new lens into the education system and the immense challenges principals navigate daily. Being a principal is more than a job — it’s a calling. This programme reinforced the value of partnership and how powerful it is to share both the good and the difficult moments.” 

Jonas Mashele, Financial Accountant at SPAR South Rand 

‘’It has been an honour to go back to school through this programme. I realised that I have a passion for education. This journey allowed me to take a step back and think about how I can lend a hand and what legacy I will leave behind for our children.” 

Marista Fey, Lecturer at the Wits Business School 

‘’This journey has been one of learning and growth. The workshops provided me with valuable tools and skills that I will continue to use. There was a strong emphasis on relationships and their practical application in the real world. I’ve also come to deeply respect the gravitas that most principals carry. Throughout this experience, we’ve learned to be brave, to be vulnerable and to lean into the unknown.” 

Michelle Batchelor, Principal of Futura Special School 

‘’With her pharmaceutical background, my partner, Beverly Schleiss, arranged a session with the Head of Psychiatry at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital to speak with our parents. This was especially impactful for our special needs school, as it highlighted the importance of medication adherence for learners and the crucial role parents play in the process.” 

 
Baldwin Malebana, Principal of Phumulani Secondary 

“It’s easy to get buried in negativity in township schools because of the myriad social challenges, but this programme taught me that there are countless possibilities. Because of this partnership, I was able to engage with the Department of Social Development for the benefit of my school.” 

Andrew Barret, OLICO Maths NPC Co-Founder and Director  

“The Leaders for Education journey has been revealing. Even though I work in the education space, I have gained a renewed respect for principals. My partner has made a measurable impact at his school, connecting with alumni who are now giving back.” 

Pascal Rikhotso, Principal of Sandringham High 

“Andrew and I wanted to improve learner performance by involving school alumni. This is a work in progress, but the journey has sharpened my mind to what is possible when we work together.  

“I am particularly proud that Sandringham High was named the most improved school in the district, increasing our matric pass rate from 63.4% in 2023 to 93.8% in 2024.” 

About Citizen Leader Lab 

Citizen Leader Lab is a leadership development and support Public Benefit Organisation, committed to creating resilient leaders in both public and private sectors. Our vision is Leadership that builds a better future for all. Through our programmes and workshops, we empower individuals to become effective leaders and change agents in their communities. With 15 years of experience, Citizen Leader Lab promotes cross-sector collaboration, active citizenship and social cohesion, with a growing presence in the education sector.