Inside Tshwane North’s Bold Pilot for Collaboration and Change
Inside Tshwane North’s Bold Pilot for Collaboration and Change South Africa’s education sector has never been short of well-meaning interventions. Government, NPOs and the private sector each bring valuable resources and expertise. Yet too often, these efforts run in parallel, well-intentioned but fragmented, resulting in duplication in some areas and neglect in others. In Tshwane North this month, a new attempt was made to change that. The Tshwane North Education District, in partnership with the National Association of Social Change Entities in Education (NASCEE) and Citizen Leader Lab, convened a pilot to explore how district-level coordination might work in practice. The aim was not to add another programme to the pile. Rather, the focus was on testing whether a collaborative model, built on existing initiatives, could be developed and led by the District Partnership Team and eventually replicated in other districts. The architecture of change The keynote speakers framed collaboration as both a strategic necessity, and a moral and policy imperative. As Gauteng Education Chief Director for Tshwane, Paula Galego, reminded participants, collaboration is not an optional extra. It is embedded in South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) and linked directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which commits to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all. Galego was candid about the gap between the principle and practice of collaboration: “What still doesn’t work is the existence of fragmentation, with organisations competing for resources and visibility. We need to address that.” This sentiment was echoed by Soso Motloung, Special Programmes Manager at the MTN Foundation, who stressed that while technology and resources are vital, they are less effective without alignment: “When there is collaboration and alignment, using the strength of government, the resources of the private sector and the grassroots insights of NPOs, we can achieve a lot.” Evidence and gaps The session combined a celebration of contributions with a candid look at data. Sandra de Bruyn, Senior Education Specialist and member of the Tshwane North Partnership Team, highlighted the district’s reliance on partnerships to deliver services beyond the state’s immediate funding capacity, from zero-rated e-learning platforms to legal and advisory support for school principals. De Bruyn also acknowledged the persistent gaps, particularly in infrastructure: “There is a backlog of almost two years. The need for collaboration to close this gap is urgent.” District Director at the Gauteng Department of Education, Thea Coetser, grounded the discussion in district realities. She noted that while Tshwane North ranks among the top 10 districts nationally, with more than half of its matric learners achieving university exemption, significant challenges remain. “In the foundation phase (Grades 1–3), substantial work is still needed in literacy and numeracy. Other critical areas include Grade 8 and 9 mathematics, as well as early childhood development, which has now shifted from Social Development to Education. This provides a clearer picture of the district’s needs and highlights where collaboration is most needed.” For Lungile Zakwe, Chairperson of the NASCEE Board, the pilot’s significance lay in civil society stepping into alignment with government priorities. “Historically, the problem is that civil society’s work has been fragmented and not aligned with government goals. NASCEE exists to close this gap,” she said. This reflects the growing recognition that while government remains the primary duty-bearer, civil society and business must be complementary actors, not parallel ones. NASCEE’s efforts to build the capacity of its affiliates, Zakwe said, is part of creating a coherent, supportive, quality-assured ecosystem. Davina Murphy, Data and Analytics Lead at NASCEE, reinforced this with the unveiling of the National Education Directory, a platform mapping school-level needs and profiling organisations equipped to meet them. “If we describe the education system as a bus,” she said, “then everyone must be pushing in the same direction to move that bus forward.” Collaboration starts with connection The practical component of the day was an interactive workshop facilitated by Komala Pillay, CEO of Citizen Leader Lab and NASCEE board member, together with Dr Mariette Myburgh, a Citizen Leader Lab Facilitator. Drawing on Citizen Leader Lab’s leadership development methodology, the session combined constructive dialogue, shared reflection and collaborative problem solving. Participants wrestled with three questions: What is needed to increase collaboration? Trust, credibility and an “abundance mindset” were seen as prerequisites. Suggestions included dedicated collaboration roles in organisations, data-driven mapping and expanded networking opportunities. What first steps are necessary for collaboration? Attendees urged alignment with Tshwane North’s specific pain points, creation of thematic working groups and better impact storytelling. What commitments can we make? Commitments included nurturing the new connections made at the event, aligning deliberately with district priorities and amplifying outcomes through press and social platforms to shape public narratives. The day closed with reflections from Pranay Devchand, Chief Education Specialist at the Gauteng Department of Education, who emphasised that this pilot marks the beginning of a longer journey, one that will unfold through steady, incremental progress. Collaboration is never straightforward. It asks people and institutions, each guided by their own systems, timelines and pressures, to find common ground. Government departments move at the pace of bureaucracy, donors and NPOs at the rhythm of funding cycles and communities at the speed of daily realities. But it ultimately offers the possibility of coherence in a system that often operates in silos. For now, the story of Tshwane North is still being written — one conversation, one commitment and one act of collaboration at a time. This article was prepared by Citizen Leader Lab About Citizen Leader Lab Citizen Leader Lab is a leadership development and support non-profit organisation, committed to creating resilient leaders in both public and private sectors. Through 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.
“We’re teaching them to read and to dream”
“We’re teaching them to read and to dream” Coordinated collaboration, not just resources, is an antidote to SA’s literacy woes In a Grade 3 classroom at Maqadini Primary in KwaMashu, KwaZulu Natal, learners read in circles, reciting phonics poems while their Education Assistant points to syllable cards taped to their desks. For the first time, many can confidently sound out words. “This used to be the quiet class,” says Principal Bonisiwe Mkhize. “Now, you can hear them practising their reading from the corridor.” Maqadini is one of ten schools in the Pinetown District taking part in the Leaders for Literacy programme, a collaboration between Citizen Leader Lab, Khanyisa Inanda Seminary Community Projects (KICP) and the FEM Education Foundation. The multi-year initiative is reaching 64 foundation-phase teachers, 10 Education Assistants and 2,658 learners. Its goal is ambitious: To tackle literacy in South Africa by combining leadership development, teacher training and learner support into one integrated school improvement model. By now, we understand that the stakes have never been higher. The oft-cited 2021 PIRLS study still holds relevance: 81% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning. Just five months in, the collaboration is bearing fruit: School principals are leading with confidence, teachers are refining their pedagogical skills and classrooms are becoming better resourced. Better readers start with better leaders Rather than solely focusing on the learners, the programme’s first port of call is equipping school principals to lead. Through Citizen Leader Lab’s Leaders for Education programme, school principals partake in leadership coaching, workshops and peer-learning circles designed to strengthen personal leadership and school culture. These leaders work on more than just management skills; they learn to inspire, guide and mobilise their teams. When a school principal leads this way, they can oversee and sustain literacy improvements more effectively, creating an environment where teachers are supported, learners are engaged and parents feel involved. For Principal Celumusa Radebe of Vezamafa Primary, this realisation has been a turning point. “It’s not just about managing a school. It’s about leading people: Teachers, learners and parents with purpose.” This leadership-first approach is already influencing school culture. At Uthando Public Primary, Principal Lindelani Ngcongo has started monthly “family forums,” inviting parents to read alongside their children and teachers. “We’ve learned that parental involvement is critical,” he says. “When the community believes in literacy, the learners start believing too.” Within the walls of possibility If leaders set the vision, then teachers implement it on the ground. The KICP’s Foundational Learning Programme trains foundation-phase teachers to adopt practical, evidence-based literacy strategies. The workshops focus on improving reading and spelling skills, teaching isiZulu and English (First Additional Language) with Department of Basic Education resources, supporting neurodiverse learners and creating learner-centric lessons. Teachers also receive fine motor skill toolkits to help younger learners with handwriting. One teacher explained how her Grade 2 learners, many of whom could not hold a pencil correctly at the start of the year, are now writing full sentences. “The KICP team showed us how to use games and activities to build grip strength and confidence. Now, they’re racing to write.” Mrs Zulu, a Grade 2 teacher at Maqadini Primary, explains: “Before, we didn’t always know how to reach the learners who fell behind. Now we have strategies, resources and extra hands in the classroom. You can see the change in us and in the children.” ‘’Dress classrooms for success” Every participating school has an Education Assistant (EA), trained to work alongside teachers and learners. EAs run small reading circles, offering remedial and after-school support for learners. Trained by KICP, EAs rotate between Grades 1 to 3, helping teachers with visual aids and personalised resources. At Bhekilanga Primary, EA Nozipho Ngesi, recalls helping a group of learners struggling with basic sounds. “We practised the same syllables every day, using story cards and songs. The day one of the children read an entire sentence, he jumped up and shouted, ‘I can read!’ I cried with him.” While the impact is significant, so are the pressures. In some schools, one EA supports up to 12 classes, highlighting the need for additional resources as the programme scales. Tumultuous times The early wins are promising, but challenges remain. Teacher shortages, high learner-teacher ratios and pandemic-related learning deficits continue to strain classrooms. During teacher union picketing in June and service delivery protests in Inanda, multiple workshops had to be postponed. But school leaders, teachers and EAs have found way to forge ahead. WhatsApp groups, for instance, buzz with lesson ideas and troubleshooting. “We’re learning to adapt,” says Project Manager, Constance Gumbo. “Sometimes we take the workshops to the schools instead of central venues. We work after hours. The commitment is there from everyone.” When stakeholders converge The programme’s integrated approach is drawing attention. The KZN Department of Education has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with KICP to extend teacher professional development across the district. With external impact evaluations underway using Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) tools, the programme is already generating data that could inform broader national policy and a replicable model. At Maqadini Primary, a Grade 1 learner takes her first book home and reads it to her younger brother. At Gobhogobho Primary, parents gather for an afternoon reading circle. These are seemingly small moments, but they remind us: Collaboration is the undercurrent pulling both those responsible for teaching our children to read and those who care that they do, all in the same direction. Opening Your Heart (and Park) to Leadership Opening Your Heart (and Park) to Leadership Sometimes leadership starts with someone who opens their… Learn more 15 Years, 15 Cohorts: Leadership That Builds a Better Future For All 15 Years, 15 Cohorts: Leadership That Builds a Better Future For All Leadership Development Non-Profit,… Learn more Pioneering Pilot Equips Municipal Leaders for a Better SA Pioneering Pilot Equips Municipal Leaders for a Better SA Citizen Leader Lab, a Public Benefit… Learn more
Citizen Leader Lab 15 Year Timeline
Opening Your Heart (and Park) to Leadership
Opening Your Heart (and Park) to Leadership Sometimes leadership starts with someone who opens their heart, their caravan park, and says: “Let’s do this properly.” That someone is JP Nel. Tucked away in a serene caravan park on the South Coast that welcomes holidaymakers and pensioners riding out the winter, Nel has created a space where leadership, learning and community come together. That spirit of community is what made Nel a natural fit for Leaders for Education, Citizen Leader Lab’s flagship programme that pairs school principals with experienced business leaders to collaborate, learn from each other, engage in leadership coaching and reflect honestly. Business leaders are challenged to improve their own leadership and build connections with their communities. Before stepping into the programme, Nel had already spent years building a business and leading a team. He began his journey at the park in 2009 as the resort manager. Ten years later, he bought the business just six months before the COVID pandemic turned the tourism industry on its head. “It hit us hard. For years, our numbers just kept going down.” But Nel and his team persevered. “What’s amazing is that we’re finally starting to see a shift. Last year October and November, this year’s Easter… things are looking up again.” As part of the recovery, the on-site coffee shop was revamped and is now run as a business by Nel’s wife. “It just needed that feminine touch,” he says proudly. “She’s got a heart for people.’’ The ethos of care extends to their staff. “They’re not just here for a paycheck. They see the big picture. And when things go well, we all benefit.” Partnership and progress Nel’s Leaders for Education journey began in October 2023, when he was paired with the principal of Zembeni Senior Primary, Nhlanhla Xaba. This was Citizen Leader Lab’s inaugural Leaders for Education cohort on the South Coast. “Nhlanhla is humble, respectful and, at the same, authoritative. The discipline and kindness of the learners blew me away, especially given that they rely on feeding schemes just to get through the day.” Nel says. The experience helped him see schools not just as institutions, but as key levers in an education ecosystem sustained by committed school principals. Despite understaffing and limited resources, the partners quickly made a difference at the school. They mobilised the community to clean the school grounds, established a vegetable garden on unused land, addressed maintenance issues, developed fundraising ideas and organised night watchmen to boost school security. Nel and Ricardo de Oliveira, a local electrician and fellow business leader on the programme, also tackled a practical issue: The school’s eco-toilets lacked running water and relied on manually filled drums. Together, they looked at installing a solar-powered pump to fill the water tank overnight, offering a simple but effective upgrade to the school’s facilities. Leaders grow in good company Although the year-long programme formally ended in November 2024, Nel still recalls his experience vividly, and is still actively engaged with Principal Xaba. “We had a diverse, open group where trust came quickly. We laughed, we listened and we learned a lot from each other.” He likens the experience to being part of a spiritual group where people could grow together. The caravan park became an unofficial home for the cohort, hosting many of the programmes’ workshops and networking opportunities. “The park made people feel welcome. It wasn’t a formal space, so everyone could just be themselves.” Even his guests and staff picked up on the energy. “One of the security guards started referring to the group as ‘my friends.’ That’s when I realised something deeper had shifted.” Nel is known for posing astute questions, a quality that shone throughout the programme. However, the real impact, he believes, was evident in how he brought the lessons of the programme back to his own team. “Active listening really stood out for me. I realised I needed to spend more time with my staff. Not just talking about tasks but asking how they were doing.” He has also been able to create stronger, more thoughtful leadership practices, including support during staff emergencies. Now, with interest growing in a second Leaders for Education cohort on the South Coast, Nel is thinking about who else might step forward. When asked if he would recommend the programme to others, his answer is considered, but unhesitant. “People get scared when they hear the word ‘commitment’. But when something becomes part of your life, it stops feeling like an obligation and starts to feel like a way of being.” When you strip it back, Nel’s story reminds us that leadership isn’t about titles. It sometimes starts over shared cups of coffee in a caravan park. Contact kate@citizenleaderlab.org or akhona@citizenleaderlab.org to join South Coast’s second Leaders for Education cohort.
Who Will Lead the Future We Want?
Who Will Lead the Future We Want? Change in Welkom and surrounds is possible, but who is ready to lead it? Since 2021, Citizen Leader Lab’s Leaders for Education programme has been steadily transforming schools and communities in and around Welkom. So far, four successful cohorts, comprising 32 school principals and 32 business leaders, have changed the face of local education and leadership. This August, a fifth Leaders for Education cohort will launch. The moment is ripe for more business leaders in Welkom and surrounding towns like Virginia to contribute. “We’ve seen incredible commitment from school principals and business leaders who are passionate about making a difference,” says Alexis Moshodi, the local coach who has been working with Citizen Leader Lab to guide and support school principals and business leaders across the region. For Moshodi, the region’s transformation is personal. He lives the community’s challenges and believes in its potential. “Welkom and its surrounding communities were developed through the mining industry. It’s a melting pot of diversity from across Africa and the world. But with the decline of mining, we’ve seen many challenges creep in, like unemployment, substance abuse, dysfunctional families and child-headed households,’’ he explains. Yet amid these challenges, he sees hope. “The future is one that is full of possibilities. These possibilities redefine the community as one that is solutions-driven, where people come together in thinking partnerships. At Citizen Leader Lab, we believe schools are the centre of every community. That’s where transformation starts,’’ he says. Through the Leaders for Education programme, school principals are paired with business leaders in their region, forming partnerships that are not only supportive but also impactful. “These collaborations are mutually beneficial. As thinking partners, they bring different perspectives into each other’s worldviews. For many school principals, it’s having someone who listens without judgement. That alone can make a difference. They talk through their challenges and start seeing solutions,’’ says Moshodi. The outcomes from these previous cohorts speak volumes about what can be achieved through collaboration. ‘’We’ve seen social entrepreneurs emerge from these partnerships, selling products to schools and the community. During school holidays, families receive vegetables to eat. It’s a small thing, but it shows how a simple connection can create positive change,” he adds. With the new cohort launching, Moshodi urges business leaders in Welkom and nearby areas to get involved. “Some are leaving for other parts of South Africa or abroad,” he says with a chuckle, “but challenges exist everywhere. We need committed leaders to stay and work with us.” He adds: “Representation matters. Leaders who understand our communities are essential. Blaming others won’t help us move forward.” To any business leader wondering if they can make a difference, Moshodi has a simple call to action: “What is the future YOU want? It can be achieved with your participation. At Citizen Leader Lab, we create a space for possibilities to become a reality.” Contact alexis@citizenleaderlab.org to be part of the fifth Leaders for Education cohort launching this August About Citizen Leader Lab Founded in 2010, Citizen Leader Lab is dedicated to creating resilient leaders in the public and private sectors. Through leadership development programmes and workshops, individuals are empowered to be effective change agents in their communities. The Leaders for Education programme equips public school principals with essential school management skills and leadership training. School principals are partnered with experienced business leaders and engage in collaboration, peer learning, leadership coaching and practical school improvement projects.
15 Years, 15 Cohorts: Leadership That Builds a Better Future For All
15 Years, 15 Cohorts: Leadership That Builds a Better Future For All Leadership Development Non-Profit, Citizen Leader Lab, launched its 15th Leaders for Education cohort in the Winelands on 3 June Citizen Leader Lab has launched the 15th cohort of its Leaders for Education programme, welcoming principals from schools in Tulbagh, Paarl, Klapmuts, Kylemore, Kayamandi and Jamestown into its nationally recognised leadership development programme. The programme, which brings together the education and business sectors, continues to equip school leaders with the skills and support needed to create change in their schools and communities. This launch also coincides with a special milestone: 15 years of Citizen Leader Lab’s commitment to strengthening school leadership across South Africa. Since being introduced in the Winelands in 2012, the Leaders for Education programme has evolved into a robust network of over 120 school principals and 120 business leaders in the region. The programme runs over the course of a year and connects public school principals with experienced business leaders. Together, they engage in collaboration, peer learning, leadership coaching and practical school improvement projects. Through this process, participants gain essential skills in leadership, community mobilisation and strategic management. The programme is built on the belief that effective school leadership is one of the most impactful and cost-effective ways to improve learner outcomes and strengthen communities, particularly in regions facing deep-rooted socio-economic challenges. This is especially true in the Winelands, where, despite scenic beauty and a thriving wine industry, many communities grapple with high levels of unemployment, poverty and limited access to quality education and basic services. These conditions create challenges for school principals, who are often required to go beyond their administrative roles to support learners and families confronting these hardships. A key contributor to the programme’s continued success in the Winelands has been facilitator Jessica Batts, who has guided multiple cohorts since 2015. “Facilitating these cohorts has been a rewarding experience. I’ve witnessed school principals transform from overwhelmed managers into visionary leaders. The partnerships formed between schools and businesses go far beyond the classroom. We are building resilient communities,” Batts reflected. She added: “Reaching 15 years as an organisation, and specifically in the Winelands, is a moment of both celebration and renewed commitment. This 15th cohort is a continuation of this legacy of socially conscious leadership.’’ The rollout of the programme in the region has been made possible through the support of sponsors including Mediclinic, Remgro, the Cape Wine Auction Trust, Perdekraal East Wind Farm and the FEM Education Foundation. About Citizen Leader Lab Citizen Leader Lab is a leadership development and support Non-Profit 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.
Equal Partners in Education: Cape Town Business Leaders Needed for Leadership Programme
Equal Partners in Education: Cape Town Business Leaders Needed for Leadership Programme As part of its continued commitment to developing leaders in the public and private sectors, Citizen Leader Lab is bringing its nationally acclaimed Leaders for Education programme to Cape Town this August. The programme brings together private sector business leaders and public school principals in a year-long collaboration focused on enhancing school leadership and uplifting local communities. Citizen Leader Lab is now calling on the province’s business leaders — whether seasoned executives, entrepreneurs or recently retired professionals — to take up the challenge. This is a unique opportunity for those ready to go beyond traditional Corporate Social Investment and get directly involved in supporting public school principals. “Leaders for Education is a hands-on leadership experience in one of the most complex and high-stakes environments we have: Our township schools. We are looking for leaders who are ready to roll up their sleeves and walk alongside school principals, not merely as mentors, but as equal partners,’’ says Selwyn Page, Regional Manager for Citizen Leader Lab in the Western Cape. Over the past 15 years, the Leaders for Education programme has made measurable impact in all nine provinces across South Africa, equipping school principals with critical leadership and management tools, while providing business leaders a chance to expand and evolve their own leadership through cross-sector collaboration, service and reflection. Cape Town’s school principals, especially in underserved areas, face enormous challenges. Many operate in isolation and carry the weight of entire school communities on their shoulders, often while contending with broader social issues such as poverty, disrupted family structures and the persistent threat of gangsterism that seeps into school environments. This programme creates a space for them to develop and lead with renewed strength, alongside a business leader who believes in their potential. “Good leadership should not stop at the gates of corporate South Africa,” says Page. ‘’Our school principals are asking for real allies, leaders with experience, commitment and heart. Citizen Leader Lab helps make these partnerships possible, laying the groundwork for lasting change in our schools and communities,” he adds. Each business leader-school principal partnership will engage in a structured leadership journey that includes professional coaching, networking and leadership development workshops. Ideal applicants include: Business executives or team leaders seeking to make an impact Entrepreneurs with a heart for community development Retired professionals looking to continue to make a difference Applications and enquiries: Michele Hinds, Citizen Leader Lab facilitator Email: michele@citizenleaderlab.org
Belonging in the Midlands
Belonging in the Midlands The KZN Midlands community gathered to immerse themselves in stories of belonging and leadership this April The occasion celebrated the completion of Citizen Leader Lab’s fourth Leaders for Education cohort in the Midlands. It was also a joyful reunion, giving the region’s three previous cohorts an opportunity to reflect on the impact of their journeys. Since its 2019 launch in the Midlands, the Leaders for Education programme has brought together 30 school principals from rural schools between Estcourt and Pietermaritzburg and matched them with local business leaders who have walked this leadership journey with them. The business leaders come from all walks of life: Lawyers, journalists, medical practitioners, clergy, estate agents, retired teachers, artists and farmers. These partnerships are especially vital in a region marked by stark contrasts. While the Midlands is home to some of South Africa’s most prestigious private schools, many township and rural schools continue to operate under immense strain. The Leaders for Education programme is bridging these divides, creating bonds of understanding and practical support where it is needed most. The celebration also came at a time of serious concern. Severe budget cuts have left the KZN provincial Department of Education struggling to maintain schools and provide even the most basic services. With 93% of the department’s budget tied up in employee compensation, almost nothing remains to fix infrastructure, pay utility bills or implement long-overdue upgrades. In their own words Karen McKenzie, Citizen leader Lab facilitator in the Midlands, reflected on her involvement with the programme: “Today we celebrate six years of leadership, and several cohorts of Leaders for Education in the Midlands. But this is also an alumni reunion, an opportunity to honour our partners and reflect on the impact they have made. The Midlands is a small but very connected community. We don’t have big corporates like those in Johannesburg, but together with Citizen Leader Lab and our other education partners, Love Howick and Love Notties, we have made an incredible impact. The FEM Education Foundation (FEMEF) played a pivotal role by providing substantial funding that made it possible to roll out the programme.” Lions River Primary, a school near the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, was represented. The school’s principal, Slo Mholongo, shared: “I’ve learned to listen and recognise the contributions of my School Management Team, School Governing Body and the wider community. You can’t lead alone — you have to work with your surroundings. This partnership began during COVID, but even then, we were able to bring the community together. The school is still thriving and our learners benefit every day. All our hard work has paid off. We received a national award for nutrition and we now have a beautiful vegetable garden.” Mhlongo’s business leader, Simon Francis, said the journey had “radically altered” his perception of rural KZN schools: “I was astonished that a school could even function under the conditions I saw. But I’ve watched that school grow from a container structure to a place where learners now have access to literacy and music programmes. I’ve learned new ways to approach challenges and it took me out of my comfort zone. It reminded me of who I am and introduced me to a more diverse world.” Ndu Xaba, principal of Vrysaat Primary, spoke about how the programme transformed his experience of leadership: “I used to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. That created dependency — everyone looked to me. Now I’ve learned how to harvest the gifts of all our stakeholders. The school runs well even when I’m not there.” For Justin Foxton, Xaba’s business leader, the key learning was about leadership itself: “We expect leaders to be extroverted and demonstrative. But what stood out to me was the quiet power of a leader who shows up and leads with care, like Ndu does. Sometimes, leadership is really just about being a friend and being present.” Matt Hogarty, another business leader in the Midlands, described the experience as “enriching”: “We worked practically on the ground with the school, and it showed me how deep the complexities of our education system really go. I’ve learned to slow down and listen before jumping to solutions. Every problem holds an opportunity. The partnership model Citizen Leader Lab has created, linking schools with business leaders, really allows you to step into someone else’s shoes.” Hogarty’s principal partner, Nhlanhla Khumalo of Nhanhleni Primary, related his how the experience deepened his understanding of leadership and community: “The programme’s workshops allowed me to get to know myself. They helped me understand the backgrounds of our learners. My business partner inspired me with his selflessness as a leader. Together, we worked to get the staff, the SGB and parents aligned to the school’s vision. Now, everyone is taking ownership. You can see the results in the garden, the paint on the walls, in the way we speak about the future. Once we changed the mindset of our stakeholders, the possibilities really opened up.”
Matric Success: How Leadership Development Improved 2024 Pass Rates
Matric Success: How Leadership Development Improved 2024 Pass Rates The 2024 National Senior Certificate results, released earlier this year, highlighted the success of secondary schools where Citizen Leader Lab played a role in improving matric pass rates While South Africa’s national matric pass rate for 2024 stood at its highest ever at 87.3%, a number of schools supported by our Leaders for Education programme achieved pass rates surpassing the national average. This underscores the ongoing critical need for leadership-centred programmes to address some of the systemic challenges in education. The Leaders for Education programme pairs public school principals with business leaders from the private sector in a year-long, immersive leadership development experience. The programme focuses on developing robust school leadership, which research shows is vital for school success. Effective principals play a pivotal role in nurturing and supporting teachers, boosting morale and inspiring motivation and innovation. This creates an environment that is conducive to quality teaching and learning and generates positive changes within the education system. Success stories on the ground In Johannesburg, Sandringham High achieved a 93.8% pass rate, reflecting a significant increase of 30,4% from 2023’s pass rate of 63.4%. The school’s principal, Pascal Rikhotso, is currently a participant on the Leaders for Education programme. He believes his own development as a leader has contributed to this vast improvement. “This journey has allowed me to build a school that values teamwork and encourages inclusivity with the teachers, parents and the community. By improving my leadership through Citizen Leader Lab, I’ve been able to create an atmosphere where teachers feel holistically supported. As a former science and technology HOD, I know that teacher motivation and morale are the main catalysts for learner success. All this resulted in the teachers, with the help of parents, coming together to provide holiday classes for the matrics. I can already sense the excitement among learners, parents and teachers about what we can achieve together in 2025.” Lungisa Secondary in Gqeberha achieved an impressive 99.1% pass rate, far exceeding the national average. Just three years ago, the school’s pass rate stood at a dismal 21%. Echoing the sentiments of Principal Rikhotso, Principal Thabo Mapena expressed how growing as a leader has helped turn his school around “I inherited Lungisa when it was unfortunately a non-performing school. But being part of this programme completely changed my perspective on leadership and management, and it has reshaped the entire school. The biggest change was my willingness to collaborate with educators instead of taking a top-down approach. As soon as I started embracing this approach, I could see the difference. Slowly but surely, I gained the buy-in and support of the teachers. I believe this is what led to our success: The educators feel supported and heard, so they are willing to go above and beyond for our learners. For example, they organised after-school programmes for the matrics, even though they aren’t paid for it. They are also punctual and enthusiastic to give back.” Notable improvements in pass rates were also observed at Citizen Leader Lab schools in Lephalale, Limpopo. These include Majadibodu Secondary, which increased its pass rate from 69.2% in 2023 to 92.3%, while Radinong High improved from 66.7% in 2023 to 87.8%. Meanwhile, Dysselsdorp Secondary, located in the Eden and Central Karoo District, achieved a 94.1% pass rate. This district was the top performer in the Western Cape. CEO of Citizen Leader Lab, Komala Pillay, said: ‘’These achievements have showcased the dedication, leadership and vision of our school principals. It demonstrates that when school principals are equipped with the right tools and support to lead, we do start to see promising results. Improved matric results don’t just open doors to education and employment for our youth — they uplift entire communities. As we enter the second quarter of 2025, Citizen Leader Lab is looking to business leaders and funders to be part of replicating these successes across South Africa.’’
Connecting Resources to Impact: The Work of Our Business Development Team
Connecting Resources to Impact: The Work of Our Business Development Team The powerhouse fuelling our Business Development success Our Business Development team is a passionate force dedicated to raising funds that strengthen leadership in public schools and municipalities. Leading the team is Shane Perrier, our Business Development Lead, who drives fundraising efforts and innovative public-private partnerships to secure long-term support for our programmes. Working alongside him, Nontuli Moalusi leverages her expertise in strategic marketing, stakeholder engagement and fundraising to expand our leadership programmes nationwide. Completing the team, Damein Manilall focuses on building and maintaining strong relationships with funders, ensuring the sustainability and growth of our initiatives. Together, they bring a wealth of experience in fundraising, strategic collaboration, marketing, and brand development, all working towards a common goal: securing the resources needed to empower leaders, uplift communities and create #TheFutureWeWant. MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet swipe and support: Make every purchase count! Did you know you can support Citizen Leader Lab while doing your everyday shopping — at no extra cost to you? By selecting Citizen Leader Lab as your beneficiary on the MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet programme, every time you swipe your MySchool card at Woolworths and other partner stores, a portion of your spend goes directly towards empowering school leaders and driving meaningful change in education. It’s simple, free and impactful, in 3 easy steps: Sign up for a MySchool card (or update your beneficiary) Select Citizen Leader Lab as your chosen cause Swipe your card every time you shop at Woolworths and partner stores Every swipe makes a difference! Get started here: https://www.myschool.co.za/portal/register A note of support from our newest partner We’re excited to welcome Rand Mutual to our community of supporters. Their partnership will play a vital role in advancing our work in developing strong leaders for South Africa’s schools. Here’s what Lebohang Lerumo from Rand Mutual has to say: “We want to acknowledge the impactful work being done by Citizen Leader Lab in developing transformational leaders within our schools across South Africa. We’re looking forward to working together in 2025 and beyond to support this crucial effort in shaping the future of our nation.” — Lebohang Lerumo, Rand Mutual Thank you to our partners and funders At Citizen Leader Lab, we believe that transformational leadership has the power to change lives, schools and communities. But none of this would be possible without the generosity, trust and unwavering support of our incredible partners and funders. Your commitment to developing strong, values-driven leaders in South Africa’s education sector fuels our mission. With your support, we are equipping school principals, educators and community leaders with the skills and confidence to drive change — one leader at a time. Because of your support, schools are becoming thriving centers of excellence. Leadership is being redefined as a force for impact and transformation, and young South Africans are being empowered with hope, opportunity and a brighter future. From the entire Citizen Leader Lab team — THANK YOU! Your investment is an investment in our country’s leadership and education. We are honoured to walk this journey with you. Let’s continue to build a legacy of leadership, together. Individual Donors: Do you want to get involved but don’t know how? If you are a business leader or a supporter of education and want to back Citizen Leader Lab, we’ve made giving simple and flexible so you can contribute in a way that works best for you! Ways to Donate Once-off or Monthly Giving: Donate a lump sum or spread your contribution over 10 months Scheduled Donations: Set up a recurring donation directly from your bank account, choosing the amount and duration that fits your giving goals Why Donate? BBBEE & SED benefits: Businesses can allocate funds under Socio-Economic Development (SED) as 75%+ of our beneficiaries are black South Africans Tax deductible: All contributions are Section 18A tax deductible Non-Profit and Public Benefit Organisation: We are a registered NPO (#072-323) and PBO (#930029675), ensuring your donation directly supports transformative leadership in education. Make an impact today! Donate now: https://citizenleaderlab.org/donate/
