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