Dr Sharon Munyaka Appointed New Chairperson of Citizen Leader Lab
Dr Sharon Munyaka Appointed New Chairperson of Citizen Leader Lab Citizen Leader Lab is excited to announce the appointment of Dr Sharon Munyaka as the new Chairperson of the Board, effective 1 March 2025. She will be taking over from Melanie Weeks who concludes more than a decade of service on the board. Dr Munyaka, a prominent figure in industrial psychology, holds a doctorate from Nelson Mandela University. As a registered Industrial & Organisational Psychologist with the Health Professions Council (HPCSA), she brings over 20 years of inimitable experience in transforming workplace behaviour at individual, team and organisational level across diverse industries. She serves as a Council Member at the University of Cape Town and is the former President of the Society of Industrial and Organisational Psychology South Africa (SIOPSA). Additionally, she is an alumnus of Citizen Leader Lab. Throughout her illustrious career, Dr Munyaka has facilitated transformative engagements in leading South African organisations. Her expertise has been pivotal in guiding these institutions through significant cultural changes and renewal processes. Her innovative strategies have consistently supported leadership teams in maintaining focus and productivity during challenging times, enhancing the mental, emotional and physical well-being of their staff. Dr Munyaka’s impact extends to facilitating diversity and transformation dialogues, highlighting her exceptional skills in conflict management and change facilitation. Furthermore, she has been instrumental in supporting leadership teams in their strategic goals and has aided schools across South Africa in adapting to global changes, ensuring they remain agile and relevant. Dr Munyaka’s expertise in positive psychology helps foster essential elements for optimal organisational performance, such as psychological capital, climate and team commitment. Her talent management skills have earned long-term support from corporate and public sector clients. Citizen Leader Lab is confident that under Dr Munyaka’s leadership, the organisation will continue to thrive and make significant strides in contributing to transformation and leadership development in identified sectors in South Africa. For more information, please contact Dorcas Dube-Londt: dorcas@citizenleaderlab.org
Swiss Funder Visits Reitvallei Primary for a Celebration of South African Culture
Swiss Funder Visits Reitvallei Primary for a Celebration of South African Culture Reitvallei Primary School in Mogale City, Krugersdorp, welcomed Magdalena Lamprecht-Wallhoff, Chairperson of the Swiss-based Gottlieb Naef Foundation, during her first-ever visit to South Africa in October. Joined by Citizen Leader Lab team members, this visit was a special moment for the school, which serves 1,558 learners under the inspiring leadership of Principal Keitumetse Sephiri. Despite the school’s humble infrastructure—comprised entirely of container classrooms—the spirit of community and pride was evident as the staff, School Management Team (SMT), School Governing Body (SGB), parents and learners came together for an unforgettable celebration. They shared South Africa’s rich cultural heritage through vibrant performances of traditional songs, dance and poetry. Programme director for the day, Nombuyiselo Mbuyeleni, opened the celebration with a heartfelt message: “We welcome our special guest from Switzerland and team members from Citizen Leader Lab to our school today. This visit is indeed testament to our motto: Reitvallei Primary is the best school under the sun.” Principal Keitumetse Sephiri, an alumnus of Citizen Leader, also expressed her deep gratitude: “On behalf of our SMT, SGB and school community, I express a heartfelt welcome to all our guests. We feel honoured to host you. Your presence makes us feel like we do matter.” She added: “Our humble school structure is not a representation of our humanity, kindness and confidence in our learners. It is an indication of our perseverance, diversity and inclusivity.” The Gottlieb Naef Foundation, inspired by the legacy of its namesake—a Swiss entrepreneur and patron of the arts—is dedicated to funding education programmes around the world. Gottlieb Naef, who grew up in rural Switzerland during the 1930s and 1940s, understood the importance of education in creating opportunities. His legacy lives on through the foundation’s new partnership with Citizen Leader Lab, which will enable more South African schools like Reitvallei to benefit from leadership development. Addressing the learners, Lamprecht-Wallhoff expressed her admiration for the leadership she saw in Principal Sephiri. “When I see what your principal is doing for you through her leadership, I see a remarkable leader who is creating a leader in each and every one of you. We are all coming from different places, but we are still lifting one another up,” she said acknowledging the foundation’s belief in the power of education to transform lives. Jansie Rautenbach, Citizen Leader Lab’s Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the significance of leadership development in under-resourced schools. “At Citizen Leader Lab, we know that 95% of our learners rely on public schooling. Schools in under-resourced areas are particularly challenged. This is why we continue to work with dedicated school principals like Keitumetse, so that they can create schools where teachers can teach, learners can learn – thus creating a better future for all.” This visit was not just a celebration—it was an affirmation of what strong, conscious leadership can achieve, regardless of the formidable challenges many of our schools face. In Principal Sephiri’s words: “We thank Citizen Leader Lab for consistently and continuously awakening conscious leadership across the country.” In Visuals Under Sephiri’s leadership, Reitvallei Primary has flourished, not just academically but as a beacon of hope and resilience in the community Leading with passion and purpose, Principal Keitumetse Sephiri inspires Sephiri is particularly devoted to the school’s special needs learners, whom she fondly refers to as “The Special Stars”. ‘’All children can learn irrespective of what limitations they may have,’’ she steadfastly believes. A young voice honours King Shaka’s legacy through praise poetry Celebrating Sepedi culture with rhythm and the pulse of tradition Colourful and energetic: Xitsonga dancers bring their heritage to life Honouring the legacy of Setswana culture through graceful movements Amapiano dancers unleash the vibe Amapiano, a South African music genre taken from the Nguni language word for “pianos”, is a sub-genre of kwaito and house music that emerged in South Africa in the mid-2010s Indian dance captivates with every step Harmonious voices: The award-winning Reitvallei choir hits all the high notes Sport champions: Reitvallei’s athletes excel regionally and nationally Rooted in community and growth: Reitvallei’s veggie garden flourishes, supplementing the school’s nutrition programme provided by the government FROM LEFT: Magdalena Lamprecht-Wallhoff and Citizen Leader Lab team members (Calvin Baloyi, Shane Perrier and Jansie Rautenbach) with Reitvalllei’s cooks who nourish all 1,558 learners on a daily basis
Anchored in Kindness: The Teacher Who Shaped My Life
Anchored in Kindness: The Teacher Who Shaped My Life By Melanie Weeks For years, I had thrived at St. Joseph’s Primary School, a place where my uncles were teachers and where I felt cocooned in familiarity. Friends and favourite teachers surrounded me. I knew my way around the school and classes were in Afrikaans, the language I mostly spoke at home. When I was nine, my world shifted. My father moved me to Dower Practising School, where my younger brother started school a year earlier. The convenience of both children in the same school was a practical matter for my working-class parents. At my new school, I found myself in an English-speaking classroom, surrounded by classmates whose lives seemed as polished and poised as their middle-class backgrounds. The change was jarring and left me feeling lost. I was reticent, nervous and uncertain. My confidence faltered and I struggled to find my footing. But then, there was Mrs Joan Adams, my class teacher. She had a gift for seeing beyond the surface, recognising that I was not only a bewildered newcomer grappling to adjust, but a young girl in need of guidance. With her kindness and patience, she became my anchor in the stormy seas of change. Just as I began to find my place, tragedy struck. My father passed away. The grief was suffocating, and school became an unbearable place. However, through my grief, Mrs Adams was a beacon of comfort and quiet understanding. It was not long before fate wove our lives together even further; when Mrs Adams faced the loss of her own husband months later. I found myself offering her the comfort she had once so generously given to me. After the first half of the year, the fog of uncertainty began to lift as I secured a third place in academics. Soon after, I blossomed into the top student in my class and a few years later, head girl of the school. That year in Mrs Adams’ classroom, I learned about compassion, responsibility and leadership—values that define me today. Forty-five years later, I returned for a class reunion and visited Mrs Adams, now in her 80s. Over tea, we reminisced about those days, the connection as strong as ever. In life, we often meet people who profoundly influence us, even if we don’t fully grasp their significance until much later. For me, Mrs Adams was such a person. Her unwavering support and profound compassion taught me that no matter how daunting the situation, kindness, perseverance and a dedication to serving others are the key to unlocking possibility. She wasn’t just an excellent teacher; she was my lifeline in a tumultuous time. Those lessons taught by Mrs Adams have become part of who I am today, and I am grateful for the enduring legacy of a remarkable teacher. About Melanie Weeks Weeks is a seasoned leader in non-profit organisation management, serving as Chair of the Board of Directors for multiple organisations, including Citizen Leader Lab. She possesses strong skills in executive development, corporate social responsibility, training delivery, management and business development. Melanie holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Technology from Bond University, Australia, which has further enhanced her capabilities as a business development professional dedicated to making a positive impact in communities.
The Far Side of Complexity: Insights from Dr Robyn Whittaker
The Far Side of Complexity: Insights from Dr Robyn Whittaker Citizen Leader Lab and sponsors, Sphere Holdings, invite business leaders, educators and thought leaders to the 2024 edition of Execs Back to School to explore the question: What effect do public education outcomes have on your bottom line – and how can you influence this? A decade ago, I chose to make a significant career change, moving from the relatively contained world of medical practice to the dynamic world of social innovation. It all started with a compelling vision—a vision detailed in the draft chapter on HIV and TB in the National Development Plan (NDP), which the Governing Body Foundation of South Africa asked me to review for its relevance to schools. The chapter beautifully articulates schools as centres of community and care, places where health and education intersect to create holistic environments for growth. This vision resonated deeply with me, sparking a desire to see it realised. When I discovered Citizen Leader Lab, I knew that I found an organisation that shared this vision. Inspired, I took the decision to leave my medical practice and join the organisation in the capacity of Stakeholder Engagement Lead. My role was all about forging connections—building relationships with stakeholders who could support and amplify the work of Citizen Leader Lab. This involved mobilising both personal and financial support from corporate partners interested in active citizenship, education and leadership development. I spent considerable time engaging with Corporate South Africa, seeking both financial backing and active participation from business leaders in our immersive, real-world leadership development programmes. In addition to corporate engagement, I also interacted with the Department of Basic Education, the philanthropic sector and numerous civil society organisations. These relationships provided me with invaluable insights into the extensive and varied efforts in education across the country. It became increasingly clear that many of these efforts were insufficiently recognised by the majority of South Africans. At the time, the prevailing negative messaging about education in South Africa left many people feeling disheartened and powerless to effect change – while in fact there were actually an extraordinary number of initiatives towards which people’s interest and goodwill could be directed. Based on these insights, Citizen Leader Lab wanted to make it easier for business leaders to have a first-hand experience not only of our own work, but also of the passion and purpose which many educators bring to the challenges faced by their schools. Our hope was to bridge the gap between theoretical understanding and practical engagement, making it easier for potential supporters to get excited and involved – both with Citizen Leader Lab’s offerings and with public sector education in general. This shared passion led to the creation of Execs Back to School, an event born from a collaboration between Sphere Holdings and Citizen Leader Lab. Sphere Holdings CEO Itumeleng Kgaboesele, an alumnus of Citizen Leader Lab, wanted to give business leaders a glimpse into the impact of our work. His goal was to help them experience the profound benefits before committing to the year-long, intensive Leaders for Education programme, which partners school principals and business leaders. Now in its fifth year, Execs Back to School has become a significant event on the annual business calendar, providing the South African business community a chance to engage in meaningful conversations – with the benefit of firsthand exposure to real-school conditions – about the importance of education and the significant contributions that they can make. This year we are inviting business leaders to consider how the education system affects their operations and the country’s future workforce by asking, What effect do public education outcomes have on your bottom line – and how can you influence this? This question is not just about identifying challenges, but also about recognising the complex responses required to address them. We will demonstrate this by hosting the Execs Back to School experience at an inner city school. Participants will see for themselves how a Leaders for Education partnership at the school has continued for over a decade, and how the relationship between the school principal and business leader continues to grow year on year following their initial participation. This partnership demonstrates that, ultimately, focusing on the school environment and culture is key to achieving results. Citizen Leader Lab supports leaders across society in learning how to navigate the far side of complexity. They develop a practical understanding that solutions to complex issues like education and leadership development are not simple or quick. Instead, it requires a willingness to embrace uncertainty, challenge assumptions and engage in a continuous learning process. This journey may seem daunting, but it is also deeply rewarding and powerfully liberating. It requires vulnerability, patience and a long-term commitment to understanding and addressing the root causes of challenging issues and contexts. While it may be tempting to seek quick fixes, real impact lies in embracing the complexity we experience as a country and committing to a sustained effort towards positive change. As more people understand and engage with this process, we hope to progressively shift collective perceptions and nurture simple solutions. My role with Citizen Leader Lab has been about fostering a deeper understanding of how we can support local learning ecosystems – specifically at the level of school and community – and build stronger, more resilient communities. It has been about inviting others to join this journey, to see beyond the surface and to commit to the hard but necessary work of true transformation. Even after stepping down from my operational role in 2020 to extend the scope of my interest in learning ecosystems, I remain committed to the mission of Citizen Leader Lab. I continue to serve on the Board and champion the excellent work that this team does for our country. About Citizen Leader Lab Citizen Leader Lab, a leadership development and support Public Benefit Organisation, is dedicated to creating resilient leaders in both the public and private sectors. Our vision is Leadership that builds a better future for all.
Breakthrough leadership: Participants Emerge from Leadership Programme More Conscious, Capable and Confident
Breakthrough leadership: Participants Emerge from Leadership Programme More Conscious, Capable and Confident The Leaders for Education programme brings together public school principals and private sector leaders for an immersive and collaborative leadership experience. Over the past 12 months, school principals have seen their leadership skills improve, while business leaders have gained deep insights into the challenges of South Africa’s public education system. This cohort was the guided by AJ Edge, a facilitator celebrated for her expertise in people development and coaching. At an intimate event held at Randburg’s Fairway Hotel on 13 September, participants recounted their transformative leadership journeys. They highlighted how the programme has not only refined their personal leadership, but also strengthened their ability to drive change and collaboration in their respective leadership roles. Here is a glimpse into the insights shared by school principals and business leaders School principals stepping into their roles self-aware and enthused ‘”On the programme, I learned how to respectfully interact with different people under different circumstances. I was that leader who would not even let a parent finish their sentence. Now, I give every parent the space to fully express their concerns to me.” Principal Sibusiso Nkomo, Zola Primary “I am particularly proud of what I have been able to achieve with my team. After attending the Time to Think workshop, where I learned to really listen to others, I find that we are engaging more, thinking together and understanding each other better as a unit.” Principal Zandile Ntaopane, Ferreira Primary “I have become so much more confident as a leader. In the past, I would avoid conflict, just hoping that things would improve without intervention. I have now learnt that problems don’t, unfortunately, solve themselves. I must tackle all conflicts head-on. The programme also has a huge impact on my School Management Team and School Governing Body. I’m not afraid to ask for their input. I am giving them the forum to think and innovate – and everyone now feels part of the team.” Principal Josephine Shabangu, Bordeaux Primary “This programme taught me how to converse authentically with the parents of the school. I implemented the principles of Community Building to shake up the way we held parents’ meetings. We used the power of the invitation to entice the parents and sat in circles to ensure everyone had a voice. The parents loved it. This approach has encouraged the parents to become involved in solving the school’s challenges, from fundraising to the learners’ academic performance.” Principal Mathari Molobo, Meadowlands Primary Business leaders navigate the intricacies of the education system, while enhancing their own leadership “The dynamic of equality has been instilled in all my interactions. As a leader who consults and trains people, I want to be able to collaborate with others. This programme has allowed me to shift from merely dishing out advice, to an approach where I am consciously co-creating with the others.” Mabusi Makhaza, HR Consultant to public and private sectors “I started this programme with the idea that I was going to contribute A,B and C to my principal partner. I soon realised that this experience was so much more than that. It was a reflective journey that I personally gained so much from.” Krishi Gopaul, Human Resources Business Partner at Mediclinic “This programme went some way in helping me unlearn my negative leadership traits – and yes – I replaced them with some positive ones. It emboldened me to ask for what I need in my workplace, and to be unapologetic about what is fair and just. I have become a good manager, a good leader, and most importantly, a good citizen.” Pumla Xonxa, Business Leader, Spar South Rand “Two things stand out on my Citizen Leader Lab journey: I realised just how challenged schools in South Africa are. School principals are battling at every coalface. I also appreciate the networking opportunities and meeting people from different industries.” Mike Stuart, MD of National Rubber Matmin “Leadership that builds a better future for ALL. This really sums up my experience over the past 12 months. As a young leader, I want to encourage the people I work with to be self-leaders, responsible and accountable for their own decision-making. This programme gave the tools to do this, and I’m finding that this has cultivated mutual respect in my team.” Sarah Sebetola, Sustainability Entrepreneur and Owner of Tshepiso Branding Solutions Remembering the late Faith Ntando, former principal of Entandweni Primary “It would be remiss to not mention our fellow colleague and friend, Faith, who passed away this year. While Faith was a participant in this programme, she took every opportunity to be involved in every way she could. She led her school with such vision, passion and calm determination. She was such a beautiful soul.” AJ Edge, Social impact Coach and People Development Consultant
Intention to Action
Intention to Action Mohammed Sabi is the Director of Sphere Private Equity (Pty) Ltd, a high performing, black-owned investment holding company driven to create value for funders, shareholders and business partners As an experienced investment executive, I’ve spent years focused on strategic decisions and market trends. However, my decision to go back to school was driven by something far deeper: A growing concern for South Africa’s sustainability and the many communities often overlooked in our future vision. This desire to understand life beyond the leafy suburbs of Johannesburg led me to Citizen Leader Lab’s Execs Back to School event, where I sought to engage with the realities of our public schooling system and explore ways to make a meaningful contribution. Sponsored by Sphere Holdings, Execs Back to School is an annual event that brings together business executives and school principals for a day of purposeful dialogue, collaboration and action. For business executives, investing in the next generation of the workforce is crucial. Execs Back to School offers a unique chance to align corporate goals with social impact by addressing issues in South Africa’s education system. By connecting directly with school principals and communities, executives gain insights that help shape strategic decisions and drive positive change in education. Year of Leadership: Insights and Impact My Execs Back to School experience lasted just one day, but it sparked a desire to engage on a deeper level. This curiosity led me to embark on a more intensive journey of learning with Citizen Leader Lab, a Public Benefit Organisation dedicated to driving large-scale social change. Through the empowerment and development of leaders in key public sectors such as education and local municipalities, Citizen Leader Lab is transforming leadership where it matters most. By creating a partnership between a public school principal and myself, Citizen Leader Lab provided me with the forum to not only understand the state of affairs in South Africa’s public schooling, but to also make a meaningful contribution. Since education has played such a pivotal role in my own life, I believe that it is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal to tackle our challenges and to improve in our long-term trajectory as a country. My year-long partnership was with Principal Elias Shela of AB Phokompe Senior Secondary School in Randfontein, Johannesburg. It was humbling to work alongside such a highly experienced and professional individual, who despite the lack of recognition and financial compensation, remained true to his cause and commitment. Elias’s deep connection to his purpose and understanding of the education system brought home the power of aligning purpose with system knowledge in my own leadership practice. Elias is responsible for leading a no-fee school with 1415 learners and 37 teachers, but my experience showed, that his role went well beyond merely directing AB Phokompe. The unspoken sacrifices made by Elias, his team of teachers and support staff are truly commendable and their commitment to shaping the future of South Africa deserves to be celebrated and cherished. During our partnership, I was particularly struck by how simple acts of recognition and acknowledgment can rejuvenate the passion and energy of school leaders and teachers alike. This renewed vigour boosts their confidence and creates a more positive and effective school environment. I soon realised that, even though I had little to teach the staff and a principal with 35 years of experience, I could still make a difference by offering recognition, showing compassion and actively supporting their efforts. Another critical lesson I learned during the programme was the power of active listening. ‘Delicious listening’, as it was beautifully phrased, involves giving my full attention when someone speaks and being a thinking partner – and not necessarily the problem-solver. This skill transformed my interactions, not just with Elias, but also in my personal and professional life. Listening actively allowed me to build deeper relationships with and gain valuable insights from those around me. It is a practice I now consciously apply in all areas of my life, from work meetings to family dinners. An Invitation to SA’s Executives As an executive, going back to school has broadened my perspectives beyond the bottom line. It has helped me understand the human element, the struggles and the triumphs of those beyond the business world. This approach is essential for executives who want to create sustainable change in South Africa. It is about stepping outside of the comfort zones of our offices and engaging with the broader challenges our society faces. My exposure to the realities faced by leaders in the public schooling system was simultaneously eye-opening and heart-wrenching. For any professional or concerned citizen wanting to make a difference, I strongly recommend engaging with Citizen Leader Lab, whether you join for the single-day Execs Back to School event or commit to a full year on their leadership programmes. With a proven model and results for over more than a decade, the organisation provides the exposure and structured support needed to move from intention to action. I invite executives to embrace this opportunity to contribute towards the foundations of a sustainable future – a future we can all be proud of as South Africans. About Citizen Leader Lab Citizen Leader Lab, a leadership development and support Public Benefit Organisation, is dedicated to creating resilient leaders in both the public and private sectors. Our vision is Leadership that builds a better future for all. We offer a variety of programmes and workshops that work towards large-scale social change in South Africa, that empower individuals to be effective leaders and change agents in their communities. With over 14 years of experience, we continue to grow our presence in the education sector and extend our influence into critical public sectors, promoting cross-sector collaboration, active citizenship and social cohesion. About Sphere Founded in 2003, Sphere is a high-performing investment holding company dedicated to creating value for funders, shareholders and business partners. With nearly two decades of success, Sphere seeks investment opportunities in high-quality privately owned businesses across various strategic sectors.
From School Protests to School Principal – And Now Conscious Guardian
Ridwan Samodien’s gentle demeanour and wise eyes convey a life rich with experiences. As he recounts pivotal moments in his life, it becomes clear that his story is woven with threads of resilience, activism and an unwavering commitment to justice and equality “1976 happened when I was in matric,” Samodien begins, his voice steady with memory. “I was part of the boycotts, boycotting our September exam. We went to Cape Town to protest, only to be chased by the police. It was my small contribution.” These early experiences of activism in apartheid-era South Africa profoundly shaped Samodien’s outlook on education and social change. His passion for education as a tool for empowerment was fuelled by these formative years. Samodien’s father, a pragmatist, also had a significant influence on him. “He said to me, ‘I’ve got eight children; I can’t buy all of you houses. So you, my children, will have to become teachers; the government will subsidise your houses,’’ Samodien says, recalling his father’s practical wisdom in navigating apartheid’s injustices. Initially, Samodien intended to pursue law, but because his father did not want him to study at the University of the Western Cape due to the anti-apartheid protests, he went to Hewitt College. His father thought that Hewitt College students would not be too involved in these protests, but unsurprisingly they were. The slogan ‘Liberation before Education’ became a rallying cry for students like Samodien, who found themselves deeply involved in the struggle against apartheid that shaped their identities and futures. Samodien was a little resentful because he felt ‘’forced’’ to become a teacher, but stepping into this role actually shifted his perspective. “Once I qualified and stepped into my own class, I fell in love with teaching,” Samodien admits. “All that resentment fell away, and it was replaced by immense respect and love for my father’s foresight.” His teaching career began in 1980, spanning 43 years and various roles. From art teacher to school principal, each position was marked by personal growth and the building of resilience. His transition to school leadership was unexpected. At the time, Samodien was the most senior staff member at Kannemeyer Primary School, having stepped up after the sudden departure of the previous principal. He embraced the role with a deep-rooted desire to challenge South Africa’s inequalities in education. About 14 years ago, Samodien, a self-described ‘’shy’’ leader, embarked on a unique leadership development journey with Citizen Leader Lab that would transform his principalship. This globally recognised Public Benefit Organisation develops and strengthens the capacity of leaders in the private and public sectors. On Citizen Leader Lab’s school leadership programme, Leaders for Education, Samodien enhanced his ability to lead, and this positively impacted the school’s infrastructure, its teachers and learners and the broader community. To this day, Samodien’s leadership philosophy has centred on empathy and Ubuntu—a philosophy he integrated deeply into the school’s ethos. “For me, being a leader was not being a dictator,” Samodien emphasises. “Leading with heart, compassion and building relationships—that was the hallmark of my leadership.” His commitment to creating organisational health and fostering a sense of belonging among learners, teachers and parents alike resonated deeply with the community. “One of my proudest moments was when we invited Professor Jonathan Jansen to our school’s 60th anniversary celebration. He said to me, ‘You can’t photocopy schools. But if I could photocopy this school and place this recipe of this school in every South African underperforming, under-resourced, disadvantaged school, then we will have some magic’,’’ Samodien shares. “Professor Jansen’s words affirmed our efforts to create magic in education—a testament to what we achieved as a team at Kannemeyer.” One of Samodien’s ‘light bulb’ moments came when in 2017, South Africans were first confronted with the sobering reality of our literacy levels. At the time, 78% of our grade 4 learners could not read for comprehension in any language. Recognising the urgency of the situation in his own school and community, Samodien applied his mind to transform the literacy landscape at Kannemeyer. Now nationally celebrated for its commitment to developing literacy, Kannemeyer took a proactive approach to addressing this challenge under Samodien’s visionary leadership. The school has forged and continues to maintain partnerships, and which promote literacy and instil a love for reading among its learners. In 2019, Samodien was awarded Woolworths’ Most Inspirational Principal and in 2021, he achieved the Bronze Certificate in the Western Cape Education Department’s Service Excellence Awards in the category Exemplary Leadership. In 2022, he achieved both the provincial and national Kader Asmal Lifetime Achievement Awards for his exemplary leadership and dedication to educating our children. In 2023, Samodien retired as the principal of Kannemeyer. Retirement, however, has not slowed him down. Instead, it has opened new avenues for personal and professional growth. Embracing a new role with Citizen Leader Lab, Samodien continues to champion leadership development in education by supporting school principals. Reflecting on his journey, Samodien offers some practical advice to aspiring educators: “Lead with your heart. Education is not just about imparting knowledge, it’s also about nurturing growth and fostering belonging.” Samodien’s path from youthful activism to transformative leadership, and now in retirement, to coaching, supporting and facilitating social change, is an inspiration. It is a reminder that true leadership transcends titles – it is instead rooted in the lives we enrich and the communities we uplift. About Citizen Leader Lab Citizen Leader Lab, a leadership development and support Public Benefit Organisation, is dedicated to creating resilient leaders in both the public and private sectors. Our vision is Leadership that builds a better future for all. We offer a variety of programmes and workshops that work towards large-scale social change in South Africa, that empower individuals to be effective leaders and change agents in their communities. With over 14 years of experience, we continue to grow our presence in the education sector and extend our influence into critical public sectors, promoting cross-sector collaboration, active citizenship and social cohesion.
