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 

“We have Learned, Acted and Continue to Become Great Leaders’’

“We have Learned, Acted and Continue to Become Great Leaders’’ Citizen Leader lab, a Public Benefit Organisation that develops leaders in the public and private sectors, celebrated the conclusion if its Leaders for Education cohort in Tshwane  The Leaders for Education programme pairs public school principals with private sector leaders for 12 months. School principals benefit from enhanced confidence and leadership skills, while business leaders learn by navigating the complexities of the South African public schooling system. The cohort grew in leaps and bounds under the guidance Dr Mariette Myburgh, a seasoned Transformation Strategy Advisor, Life and Executive Coach and Mediator.  In the presence of colleagues, Department of Education district officials and the Citizen Leader Lab team, the participants shared how they were able to develop their own leadership skills, collaborate effectively and ultimately apply these learnings to improve their schools and workplaces.  The principal of Hoerskool Staatspresident C.R Swart, Susan Theron, said that her the Leaders for Education experience has helped her ‘’function as a better leader’’.  ‘’The programme has changed the way I listen and communicate, specifically with my School Management Team (SMT). I have been able to impart the leadership skills I gained to them. This has empowered them to be involved in decision making at the school, where as previously, they were not used to this. This has fostered new-found respect and appreciation for each other,’’ Theron said.  Theron was partnered with Beverley Ngoako, a Control Room Manager for EKS Vehicle Tracking. The business leader said that she relished the opportunity to extend her professional network. She added the programme has also allowed her to bridge the ‘’disconnect between herself and her subordinates’’.  ‘’Being here allowed me to meet people from different industries. As a female leader, I admit that sometimes I feel isolated. Here, I became part of group of leaders I knew I could always lean on.  I have also learnt that as much as I want to achieve my professional goals, showing empathy for my team is key,’’ Ngoako explained.  The pair, together with the school’s teachers and learners, were able to establish a vegetable garden to supplement the school’s government-run feeding scheme.  For the principal of Mapenane Secondary, Lydia Moseki, the Leaders for Education workshops helped her learn the art of effective delegation.  ‘’I have planted a seed of working independently. My team now feels confident to do this because I am able to delegate,’’ Moseki said.  Moseki’s business leader partner, Brendan Fernandez, feels he has been able to ‘’leverage the strength of his partnership and the entire cohort’’.  Fernandez, who is the Founder and CEO at Graf-in Tech, said: ‘’The whole experience was very practical – from gaining listening skills, understanding the importance of showing appreciation and including all voices. My relationships with my team, customers and even my family have vastly improved.’’  As a School of Specialisation focused on STEM subjects, Mapenane’s learners are always eager to apply their knowledge of mathematics and science to assist vulnerable community members.  Moseki explained that Fernandez contributed to the school’s latest project to improve the lives of the blind. He also was instrumental in setting up a dashboard to monitor the school’s academic progress.  ‘’The learners came up with the SMART Blind Stick, with has sensors to help the blind navigate their environments. They also created ‘Goggles for Gogos’, which also has sensors to detect obstacles. The dashboard is data-driven, which allows us to drive improvement in the pass rates,’’ Moseki said.  Johan Kleu, an Executive Head at Momentum Health, elaborated on his ‘’biggest leadership lesson’’ during his 12-month journey.   ‘’In the corporate sector, I can easily control resources, including access to human resources. Being on the Leaders for Education programme, I realised that I had to work ‘through’ my principal partner, not ‘over’ her,’’ Kleu said.  The business leader worked with Rabia Nuruddin, the principal of Laerskool Generaal Beyers. Together, they focused on four areas of improvement at the school: Obtaining buy-in from the School Management Team, infrastructure improvements to make the school more functional and attractive, and instilling values in the learners.  Martha Gladwin, the principal of St Annes Primary, praised Citizen Leader Lab for the platform it provided to develop her own and her fellow participants’ leadership skills.  ‘’I regarded myself as a good leader, but after this programme, I now believe that I am great leader. Referring to Citizen Leader Lab’s tagline, I do believe that we have Learned, Acted and continue to Become great leaders,’’ Gladwin expressed.  The celebration concluded with words of gratitude and encouragement from Citizen Leader Lab’s Regional Manager for Gauteng, Audrey Jones.  ‘’Leaders for Education is successful because it takes active citizens, like you, to collaborate across sectors. With this spirit, I believe we can shift the dial in our country. I encourage all the school principals and business leaders of this cohort to continue to work together beyond the formalised programme,’’ Jones said.    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.    

Free Virtual Financial Management Series to Empower School Principals and Bursars

Free Virtual Financial Management Series to Empower School Principals and Bursars Citizen Leader Lab is thrilled to partner once again with Deloitte Africa to present the latest instalment of the Financial Management Series designed specifically for school principals and bursars. Following the success of previous sessions, this new session will delve deeper into vital aspects of financial management to enhance school leadership and administration. The free virtual session is set to take place on Tuesday 3 September, starting at 3pm. Deloitte Africa has developed these modules to tackle the complex financial challenges faced by school principals and bursars. Three pertinent topics will be addressed during this session: Budgeting: A well-structured budget is essential for the financial health of schools. The session will cover how to create a detailed financial plan to track and allocate funds effectively. Participants will also learn the importance of continuously monitoring budgets to ensure actual performance aligns with forecasts. Interpreting and Presenting Financial Statements: Accurate financial statements are key to maintaining transparency. The session will guide participants through the preparation and interpretation of financial statements, and how to present these documents clearly to stakeholders. Preparing for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) with Parents: The AGM is a significant event for discussing financial performance and future plans. This session will help principals align financial details with the School Governing Body, communicate financial results to parents and outline future goals and expectations. Dorcas Dube – Londt, Marketing and Communications Manager at Citizen Leader Lab, said: “Budgeting, financial statement analysis and AGM preparation are crucial skills for any school principal and bursar. These competencies not only ensure transparent and strategic management of school finances but also engender trust and encourage engagement with the school community. Citizen Leader Lab’s ongoing collaboration with Deloitte Africa aligns perfectly with our commitment to developing school leaders holistically. By equipping principals and bursars with these essential skills, we are supporting their growth in all dimensions of leadership and enabling them to lead their schools with greater confidence and clarity.’’ RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/2ped53yf or email melissa@citizenleaderlab.org

Cullinan School’s Journey towards Strong Leadership, Community Engagement and Learner Impact

Cullinan School’s Journey towards Strong Leadership, Community Engagement and Learner Impact Selaki Masenya, former principal of Chipa-Tibane Comprehensive High School in Cullinan, Tshwane, reflects on the milestones achieved and challenges overcome during his tenure. Masenya’s journey, guided by the Leaders for Education programme offered by Citizen Leader Lab, has paved the way for Chipa-Tibane to fulfill its commitment to providing a quality education to its almost 2,000 learners. His experience on the 12-month leadership development programme remains vivid and transformative. Leadership First The Leaders for Education programme is designed to improve the confidence, competence and leadership skills of participating principals by pairing public school principals with private sector leaders. Research shows that school principals are pivotal in setting the school’s vision, ensuring academic excellence, creating a positive learning environment and building relationships with stakeholders. For Masenya, the programme inspired a paradigm shift in his leadership style and the way he interacted with his staff and the broader school community. “Before the programme, I confronted dissenters head-on. My approach changed; I engaged constructively, transforming potential adversaries into valuable contributors,” he mentions. School meetings were restructured to prioritise inclusivity. After attending the Time to Think* workshop, a formal component of the Leaders for Education programme, Masenya began to apply what he had learned. “We embraced diversity and ensured everyone felt at ease. This new meeting format encouraged open dialogue and honoured every voice,” he recalls. Building Community Empowering and capacitating principals allows them to strengthen ties with the school’s stakeholders and mobilise parents and the community around the school. In this respect, Masenya felt that improving the school’s digital communication channels would achieve just that. “The first step was revamping our outdated school website. It made vital information accessible to parents, learners and the community,” says Masenya. Additionally, the introduction of bulk SMS messaging became a “game-changer” in the way the school communicated with parents, strengthening the bond between home and school. The principal’s commitment to building community was further fuelled by encounters during the programme, notably with author Charlie Petersen. “Petersen’s book, Boy Child, You Are Not Alone, inspired me to launch an initiative for boys without parental figures,” he explains. This involved distributing copies of the book and organising weekend activities to offer companionship and mentorship. A drive to honour the unsung heroes of the community, the elderly caregivers affectionately known as Gogos, also brought the school and community closer together. “We welcomed them, formed a supportive group and celebrated their tireless efforts,’’ Masenya shares. School Management Teams (SMTs): The Next Layer of Leaders In 2023, a pioneering cohort of SMT leaders from selected secondary schools in Tshwane embarked on a School Management Team Leadership Programme (SMTP) pilot by Citizen Leader Lab, where they had the opportunity to partake in peer-to-peer learning, coaching and workshops that not only developed their own leadership skills but also improved their schools. Enrolling members of his SMT in the programme was a strategic decision for Masenya. He attributes the tangible changes he saw in his SMT, such as the launch of a vibrant newsletter spearheaded by the team, as well as a noticeable reduction in conflict, better work ethic and a more collaborative and positive working environment, to the programme. Boosting Teacher Morale and Uplifting Learners The practice of showing gratitude became a daily part of Masenya’s interactions with his teachers, creating a “surge in teacher morale,” which initiated the teacher-led revival of Chip-Tabane’s once-dormant library. This momentum continued after Masenya left the school. Over 90% of the teachers volunteered their time despite limited funds for extra lessons this year. Masenya and his staff addressed issues like substance abuse, teen pregnancies and ill-discipline. A concerted effort to empower Chipa-Tabane’s Representative Council of Learners ensured the learners were equipped with leadership skills and given a say in issues that directly affect them. “The programme’s impact is evident in our learners’ behaviour, attitude and performance. This sets our school apart from others,” he says. Impact that Endures Citizen Leader Lab “opened doors” and exposed Masenya to opportunities he would not have ordinarily encountered. In 2023, he was nominated for the National Teachers Awards by his deputy principal and went on to be named the top principal in Gauteng for Secondary School Management, eventually competing at a national level. Although Masenya now serves at the school district level, he emphasises that the impact of his leadership development journey extends far beyond his own achievements. “The programme enriched my journey as a principal, but most importantly, it improved our school. I am no longer at the school, but I feel I have left a lasting legacy of positive change that is evident in the day-to-day operations of Chipa-Tibane and the broader school culture. The acting principal, a participant of the programme, continues to lead effectively,’’ says Masenya. Based on Nancy Kline’s Time to Think book, the workshop emphasises the importance of creating a thinking environment for better communication and decision-making. It provides practical tools and techniques for unlocking the full potential of individuals and teams.  

‘’We Started a Reading Revolution!’’ says Grassy Park principal

‘’We Started a Reading Revolution!’’ says Grassy Park principal The recent Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) assessment is a stark reminder of just how far South Africa’s youth are lagging behind. A staggering 81 % of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language. While low literacy rates among our youth persist, Kannemeyer Primary School in Grassy Park has taken a proactive approach. Through Principal Ridwan Samodien’s visionary leadership, the school has forged partnerships which have promoted literacy and instilled a love for reading among its learners. Kannemeyer’s evolution to the literacy-loving school it is today, did not happened overnight. It began 13 years ago when Samodien, a self-described ‘’shy’’ leader, embarked on a unique leadership development journey with Citizen Leader Lab. This globally recognised NPO develops and strengthens the capacity of leaders in the private and public sectors. On Citizen Leader Lab’s school leadership programme, Samodien was paired with Dr Louise van Rhyn, an award-winning social entrepreneur and leadership and organisational development practitioner. This partnership with a business leader had a profound impact on Samodien’s ability to lead, and positively impacted the school’s infrastructure, its teachers and learners and the broader community. Samodien, however, knew that his job remained unfinished. The principal’s ‘light bulb’ moment 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, a noticeably more confident leader, applied his mind to transform the literacy landscape at Kannemeyer. In collaboration with literacy organisation, Wordworks SA, Samodien began a successful programme that empowered Kannemeyer’s parents to contribute to their children’s literacy skills. According to Wordworks SA, the initiative led to a ‘’marked increase in the annual systemic tests for literacy’’ at Kannemeyer. Then in 2019, together with former learner, Emile Coetzee, Samodien set out to find a creative solution to encourage reading among the learners. Coetzee and his team at Epik Set Construction built book booths, reminiscent of traditional telephone booths. These booths continue to provide accessible and inviting spaces for learners to engage with books before, during and after school. Samodien believes that the booths have eliminated bureaucratic book borrowing processes. This has fostered trust, responsibility, and a respect for literature. He added: “We wanted to find new ways to encourage a love for reading, but more importantly to develop reading with understanding. We started a reading revolution!” said Samodien. The 2020 edition of World Read Aloud Day presented yet another opportunity to inculcate a culture of reading at Kannemeyer. With the help of parents and staff, the school launched a year-long reading competition to encourage a love for reading with understanding. The challenge was incentivised: Whoever read the most books by the end of the year would win R500. Learners from all grades participated. ‘’The children were paired as ‘reading buddies’, with Grade 7s reading to Grade Rs, Grade 6s to Grade 1s, Grade 5s to Grade 3s and Grade 4s to Grade 2s,’’ said Samodien. Alumni and other stakeholders of Kannemeyer participated in a mini-billboard initiative, which featured a quote on the importance of reading from each person. These billboards still adorn the corridors of the school. Former head boy, Lester Kiewit, now CapeTalk show host and journalist, was also invited to read aloud to the learners.   School principals are key drivers of better literacy outcomes. But they can only do this when they are capacitated and supported to lead their schools. If you are a business leader who wants to play your part in tackling South Africa’s literacy crisis, join Citizen Leader Lab’s Execs Back to School programme this July. Experience a South African public school first-hand, while exploring how the private sector can help address this systemic issue. Email Info@citizenleaderlab.org to reserve your spot. Spaces are limited. #TheFutureWeWant

Unlocking Potential: Cape Flats School Transformed through Leadership Development and Partnership

Unlocking Potential: Cape Flats School Transformed through Leadership Development and Partnership The corridors of Lavender Hill High echo with the sounds of laughter, learning and a sense of community. It’s all thanks to the leadership of the school’s principal, Fuad Viljoen. He is not just a leader – he’s a beacon of hope, constantly working towards unlocking the unbridled potential of the school’s learners and staff. But creating a school like this does not happen by chance. Knowing this, Viljoen, who was appointed the principal of Lavender Hill High in 2020, joined leadership development NPO, Citizen Leader Lab, to help him navigate his new role, and shape the school as an agent for transformation in the community. Citizen Leader Lab develops and strengthens the capacity of leaders in the private and public sectors. Through its unique learning methodology, the organisation partners leaders in business with leaders in the public sector. One of these programmes pairs principals from schools in under-resourced communities with business leaders and together they embark on a structured 12-month leadership programme. Principals receive the support and skills needed to lead change and mobilise communities around their schools, and business leaders develop new leadership skills through exposure to the complex world of the South African public school. Viljoen was paired with Brett Fish Anderson, a representative of social change organisation, Heartlines. Lavender Hill High is situated in an area where gangsterism, substance abuse, drive-by shootings and rampant gender-based violence are rife. Many of the schools’ 1,261 learners are frequently exposed to this violence and trauma. Through all that, the school has managed to maintain a matric pass rate of between 78-90%. The schools’ five year vision is to increase the quality of its matric passes, with more learners obtaining bachelor passes and entry to tertiary studies. As a principal appointed from another school in the community, Viljoen says that it was vital for him to spend time getting to know the school’s set up, staff and learners before he could think of tangible ways to improve the school. ‘’It was difficult as first, but the skills of contracting, negotiating and influencing that I learnt on the Citizen Leader Lab programme, and a bit of trial and error, helped me to identify who were my most trustworthy colleagues,’’ says Viljoen. He says that interacting with other principals and business leaders on the programme helped him navigate the ‘’choppy waters’’ of being an ‘’outsider’’. ‘’I was at a Community of Practice meeting with the other principals and business leaders doing the programme from our area. The principal from Mitchell’s Plain Primary shared her struggles of being a new principal at a new school. Her story really resonated with me, and so we began to exchange ideas on how to overcome our shared challenges,’’ says Viljoen. At the same time, Anderson wanted to establish a relationship built on foundations of trust and friendship with Viljoen before getting to grips with the school’s challenges. He says that he soon discovered that being an ‘’unconventional business leader’’ had many unexpected benefits for their partnership: ‘’I couldn’t necessarily raise the money to build, say, a new computer room for Lavender Hill High, but I actually found that imparting my skills of storytelling and creating connection was more useful to Fuad. We were able to think outside the box about solutions that could actually work in a school.’’ Viljoen and Anderson used these ‘’outside the box solutions’’ to tackle the school’s long-standing issue of staff inclusion. Viljoen says that they decided to intentionally include all staff members in school activities, and this became the defining moment is his leadership journey with Anderson. ‘’There was this notion that the word staff only referred to the teachers, but everyone from the admin staff to the support staff are all contributing to the upliftment of Lavender Hill High. Including all the staff in activities, and Brett’s continued interaction with them, has made us more cohesive and unified, ‘’ Viljoen mentions. Anderson says that being invited to speak at Lavender Hill High’s valedictory service became the defining moment in his partnership with Viljoen. ‘’I was given the opportunity to speak life into the positive story of hope that is Lavender Hill High. Later I learnt that the matric learners specifically asked that I speak. I was just so humbled to play a significant part in inspiring them and being a voice in that space,’’ says Anderson. Imagine having the opportunity to unlock the potential of a school in your community – just like Brett Fish Anderson and Fuad Viljoen did at Lavender Hill High. Embark on a transformative journey, gain valuable insights and create innovative strategies to overcome challenges in schools, all while honing your ability to lead in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world. Citizen Leader Lab runs programmes all over South Africa. The next intake of business leaders and school principals is happening in Cape Town in September 2023. For more information contact hani@citizenleaderlab.org. Let’s work together #TheFutureWeWant

Pimville School Goes to New Heights Under Dynamic Leader

Pimville School Goes to New Heights Under Dynamic Leader Principal Richard Masemola of Emshukantambo Secondary reveals how developing his leadership skills through Citizen Leader Lab has taken his school to a whole new level. Citizen Leader Lab is an award-winning leadership development organisation that builds leadership capacity in the citizenry of South Africa. It’s 12-month school leadership development programme that pairs principals from schools in under-resourced communities with business leaders from the business sector. Principals receive the support and skills needed to lead change and mobilise communities around their schools, and business leaders develop new leadership skills through exposure to the complex world of the South African public school. Masemola was paired with Kela Makwetla, a Business Support Specialist at Old Mutual. Masemola, who is also the co-founder and executive director of NPO Teach South Africa, says that when he returned to education as the full-time principal of Emshukantambo in 2019, he immediately signed up with Citizen Leader Lab to support his new leadership venture. ‘’When I was at Teach SA, I worked with schools whose principals were on this programme. I’ve always admired Citizen Leader Lab’s work,’ he says. Early into his principalship, he encountered learners dealing with psychosocial issues that perpetuated violence, bullying and vandalism. Many of the learners come from child-headed households and extreme poverty. ‘’This means that our efforts as school leaders are often undermined by the communities we serve,’’ says the principal. With a mission to change this, Masemalo says that creating effective stakeholder engagement became the pair’s primary goal, adding that parents from the surrounding communities have great expectations for their children and the school they attend. ‘’This is why we wanted to create a rapport with the parents and the broader community. We wanted them to see the school as a resource, a centre of excellence. As I speak now, parents and community members regularly volunteer to keep the school clean – and all with no pay,’’ says Masemola. The assured leader believes that his partnership with Makwetla has had a positive influence on Emshukantambo’s educators and learners, who now eagerly contribute to creating a school of excellence built on teamwork. ‘’This culture we have inculcated has helped us maintain a matric grade performance of over 80%. My educators have also pioneered many initiatives. We now have a vibrant learner community that wants to be at school. On Youth Day, our learners held a robust debate on the legacy of the 1976 Soweto uprising and the issues that affect them today. We have sporting activities and a youth management programme,’’ says Masemola. Echoing Masemola’s words, Deputy Principal, Pule Hlahane, praised Citizen Leader Lab for essentially empowering the whole school, from the principal right down to the School Management Team and educators. ‘’Mr Masemola empowered us by cascading the knowledge and skills he learnt. This really helped all of us assess where our school was at,’’ says Hlahane. Through Citizen Leader Lab’s unique leadership development opportunity, you, a Business Leader, can work with a principal to address the school’s unique challenges together. Not only will you be making a difference in the school’s community, you’ll also experience new ways of leading, build your network and gain a unique perspective on the challenges facing under-resourced schools. Citizen Leader lab is launching several groups of school principal-business leader partnerships over the coming months. To be a part of this award-winning programme, contact Audrey@Citizenleaderlab.org. www.citizenleaderlab.org

KZN school mobilises community to replace dangerous pit latrines

KZN school mobilises community to replace dangerous pit latrines In 2014, five-year-old Michael Komape fell into a pit latrine and drowned at Mahlodumela Primary in Limpopo. Three years later, Siyamthanda Mtunu died after the walls of a pit toilet collapsed on him at Dalasile Primary School in the Eastern Cape. Tragedy struck again when in 2018, another five-year old, Lumka Mketwa, fell into a pit latrine at Luna Primary in the Eastern Cape. While these incidents shocked the nation, the eradication of pit latrines in South Africa’s most-under resourced schools is still a challenge. These antiquated sanitation systems continue to pose a risk to children who may fall into them or be exposed to dangerous gases. Since the school’s establishment, learners at Sogidi Primary, a rural school near Tongaat on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, have risked their lives by having to use hazardous pit latrines. In a push for change, Nokuthula Sibisi, the Principal of Sogidi Primary, and Mark Fraser-Grant, an Executive Coach and Business and Leadership Development Specialist, worked together to restore the dignity and safety of Sogidi’s 200 learners, by enlisting the support of the community to build modern ablution facilities. Sibisi was a participant on Citizen Leader Lab’s flagship leadership development programme, Partners for Possibility and Fraser-Grant was the coach guiding Sibisi on this programme. The award-winning programme supports principals so that they gain the skills needed to confidently lead change in, and mobilise communities around, their schools. Fraser-Grant says that Sibisi had always had a vision to eradicate Sogidi’s pit latrines. First, they researched companies and donors who could realise this vision. ‘’We settled on Innovation Methology, an NGO led by Pradeep Boodoo, that builds and renovates schools, health care and community facilities,’’ says Fraser-Grant. As part of their efforts to empower the communities around Sogidi, Fraser-Grant, Sibisi and Boodoo enrolled locals to carry out the basic construction work under the supervision of experienced construction engineers. Fraser-Grant mentions that this very much in line with the way Innovation Methology works, where the school becomes a partner in their own project by committing to provide water, security and accommodation for the builder’s team. Builders, who are small, medium and micro-enterprises, are contracted to each project, and members of the community are employed for the project’s duration.   No project can be successful without funding. Fraser-Grant explains that the Victor Daitz Foundation came on board when they learnt that Sogidi was part of the Citizen Leader Lab network. ‘’The foundation wanted to support Principal Sibisi because they knew her heart was in the right place. They knew that by doing Citizen Leader Lab’s Partners for Possibility programme, she has had exposure to leadership, and they were impressed by how well she took care of her school,’’ says Fraser-Grant. Sibisi believes that the leadership skills she gained on the Partners for Possibility programme were instrumental in attracting the funds and services to commence the project. ‘’The workshops really helped me strategise to involve stakeholders and companies in this project. With my new skills and Mark Fraser-Grant’s help, I wrote many proposals explaining the situation at my school, highlighting that the Grade R latrines were soon going to collapse.’’ Although construction will only be completed in May 2023, Sibisi says that the project is already generating excitement among her learners and staff. ‘’The school’s morale is changing. The learners are eager to come to school. Everyone’s self-esteem, dignity and motivation are up’’. The community surrounding Sogidi has also become invested in making the project a success. ‘’Our community members are not only helping to build the new facilities, but they are also protecting the school from theft and damage. The relationship between Sogidi and the community is really improving,’’ says Sibisi. You too can make a difference on KZN’s North Coast, by joining Citizen Leader Lab’s Partners for Possibility programme. Team up with a school principal to address unique challenges, develop leadership skills and gain valuable insights. Contact jeanne@citizenleaderlab.org or visit www.citizenleaderlab.org to learn more. Let’s work together to create #TheFutureWeWant!

Transforming a KwaMashu School: Part Two

Transforming a KwaMashu School: Part Two It is well-recognised that the key differentiator between successful and unsuccessful schools is the strength of the leadership of the school principal. So, when the opportunity arose to participate in Citizen Leader Lab’s award-winning Partners for Possibility leadership development programme, Principal Nkosinathi Ngubane of Bonisanani Senior in Ntuzuma, KwaMashu seized the opportunity. He teamed up with Taegen Devar, an Industrial and Organisational Psychologist by trade and Managing Director of PeopleSmart Consulting. During their year together, Ngubane received the support and skills to lead change and mobilise communities around his school. In turn, Devar was able to develop new leadership skills through exposure to a school facing a plethora of challenges, including a lack of funding and infrastructure and low teacher and learner morale. Focusing on Ngubane’s leadership ability was a key step in transforming the KwaMashu school into an institution where quality teaching and learning can take place. Ngubane credits the Partners for Possibility programme for instilling in him the importance of competent management, mentioning that it is not feasible for public schools to rely solely on the Department of Education for funding. Adopting a ‘’business mindset’’, he believes, ensures schools overcome funding obstacles and operate more efficiently. ‘’Yes, we are a no-fee paying school, but we now run Bonisanani like a business. We are starting to attract resources that other township schools don’t have. This is because we have established networks with more resourced schools nearby. This is how our library was furnished with tables and other equipment. We also wrote sponsorship proposals to paint companies to beautify the library. All of these activities were successful, and Taegen really helped,’’ says Ngubane. Proving that listening is indeed the first step to leading, Ngubane says that taking the time to evaluate how well he listened to his staff has made a world of a difference. The principal concedes that before participating on the Partners for Possibility programme, he did not really listen to or consider his staff’s ideas. ‘’I now make it a point to really hear my staff. At meetings, they have the opportunity to give input on every agenda point. I listen to advise, to give direction and assist. After all, principals are the servants of their subordinates,’’ says Ngubane. He adds: ‘’Even my family says that we now have a father who listens to us!’’ While Bonisanani has made great strides in the space of just one year, Ngubane is eager to take the school ‘’to the next level’’. Emphasising that sustainable change is a long-term commitment, he is confident that it can be achieved. ‘’A lot more work still needs to be done. We can get there if we work together, and with the support of the staff, parents, the community at large, Department officials and of course, Taegen. We will achieve our goals,’’ says Ngubane. Coming soon! Part Three of Transforming a KwaMashu School Missed Part One? Read it here: https://www.pfp4sa.org/blog/transforming-a-kwamashu-school-part-one/ Let’s work together to create #TheFutureWeWant Email: info@CitizenLeaderLab.org

Transforming a KwaMashu School: Part One

Transforming a KwaMashu School: Part One In a country in which a lack of quality education for all learners and our status as the world’s most unequal society intersect, business leaders are teaming up with school principals of under resourced public schools to impact the system and create change. Taegan Devar, an Industrial and Organisational Psychologist and the Managing Director of Durban-based consulting firm PeopleSmart, dedicated her time and leadership expertise towards making quality education a reality for learners at Bonisanani Senior Primary School in Ntuzuma, KwaMashu. She paired up with the principal of Bonisanani Senior, Nkosinathi Ngubane, on the Partners for Possibility programme. Developed by Citizen Leader Lab, the programme pairs school principals with business leaders in a 12-month leadership programme. Through these partnerships, principals gain the skills needed to confidently lead change in their schools, while business leaders hone their own leadership skills within a complex and challenging school environment. Bonisanani is a no-fee paying school located in an area known as ‘’the most unsafe area in Durban’’, KwaMashu township. Known for notoriously high murder rates, KwaMashu has been a hotspot for political violence and crime since the early 1990s. These social problems spill over into Bonisanini. Historically, the school has experienced a lack of parental involvement and low teacher and learner morale. This stems from the increasing number of KwaMashu families living in poverty, the negative effects of violence on the young psyche and a lack of positive role models. Bonisanani also faces a lack of adequate school infrastructure, and the school struggles to implement fundraising activities to supplement the funding received from the Government. Determined to overcome these challenges, Ngubane and Devar made devising and articulating Bonisanani’s vision their first priority towards improving the school. According to Ngubane, the pair’s first objective was to create a vision of Bonisanani as a ‘’Model-C school in the township, run efficiently – like a business.’’ Ngubane said: ‘’Our new vision gives our school the direction to grow for the next ten years. Having everyone contribute to the vision creates a sense of ownership. All the staff and the parents welcomed it.’’ Emphasising the shared dream of creating a well-resourced, prominent township school, Ngubane believes that schools in suburbs are successful due to factors beyond funding. ‘’These schools are not just about money. They have dedicated stakeholders and parents are available for their children. It’s not magic. Township schools can also achieve this through the right partnerships,’’ says Ngubane. Devar expressed her pride at how Ngubane facilitated the creation of the school’s vision in a constructive and respectful way: ‘’I haven’t met a group of people, especially in a school setting, who have come up with such a powerful vision. Nkosinathi facilitated this in an inclusive and intentional manner, where all the voices were heard,’’ says Devar. She added: ‘’My partner thinks big, and his dream to be the best school for his learners is inspiring.’’ Keep your eyes peeled for Part Two of Transforming a KwaMashu School Let’s work together to create #TheFutureWeWant! Email: info@citizenleaderlab.org