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

Thabong school recognised at Free State district education awards

Thabong school recognised at Free State district education awards Principal of Nanabolela Secondary goes above and beyond to ensure learners’ success Nanabolela Secondary’s Class of 2022 was recognised for their outstanding matric results by the Free State Department of Education in February. Sibi Mokhothu, Principal of Nanabolela Secondary, is currently a participant on the Partners for Possibility leadership development programme powered by Citizen Leader Lab. Mokhothu is partnered with the Managing Director of Thabong Bakery, Annah Lelimo. The award-winning 12-month programme pairs principals from schools in under-resourced communities with business leaders from the corporate sector. Principals receive the support and skills to lead change and mobilise communities around their schools. At an annually held ceremony known as a Well Done Function, Nanabolela Secondary was recognised for achieving a 99.18% pass rate in the 2022 Senior Certificate Examination in the Lejweleputswa District. Among the function’s attendees was the late Free State MEC for education, Tate Makgoe. Mokhothu accepted the award on behalf of the school. Speaking to Citizen Leader Lab, the principal said: ‘’From 2018 to 2021 we have maintained a pass rate of over 90%. We were so close to [achieving] a 100% this time.’’ Nanabolelo is classified as a Quintile 2, no-fee school in the township of Thabong, Welkom and provides an education to 1,300 learners. Achieving consistently high matric pass rates has been no easy feat. Mokhothu said that his school’s most pressing challenge is keeping his learners safe from danger and neglect. ‘’We have a high number of child-headed households and a high level of parental neglect. Many of our learners live in dangerous informal settlements, without access to basic services like water and electricity. We take these learners in, allowing them to sleep at the school, so that they are at least able to study. But this has financial implications. We have to use money budgeted for other activities just to keep our learners safe,’’ Mokhothu explained. ‘’Infrastructure wise, we really like to build a hall at the school so that the learners can write their exams. We would also love to hold assembly meetings without having to battle the wind, rain and cold,’’ he added. Undeterred, Nanabolela Secondary continues to cement itself as the heart of its community under Mokhuthu’s leadership. The principal says that the Partner for Possibility programme is helping him to do this by ‘’refining his management skills’’ and ‘’inspiring him to broaden his reading on and understanding of leadership’’. *LPF: An accredited coach who facilitates and guides partnerships on the Partners for Possibility programme You can, too, can partner with a principal to create #TheFutureWeWant! Email info@citizenleaderlab.org to found out more

Leaders for Education set to transform schools, businesses and communities

Leaders for Education set to transform schools, businesses and communities Citizen Leader Lab officially launched Leaders for Education in March this year, bringing together public school principals and business leaders to collectively address the challenges that the schools face. Leaders for Education is a refresh of the highly acclaimed Partners for Possibility programme. It builds on the 13-year success and experience of Partners for Possibility and brings in enhancements, including new content on ethics, wellness and African leadership. Challenges in education require solutions from both the public and private sectors. The Leaders for Education programme facilitates collaboration between these sectors, enabling them to develop long-term, sustainable solutions together. A cohort of 24 public school principals in Randfontein, Tshwane and Johannesburg started the Leaders for Education programme with their business leader partners in March. The partners have now begun a transformative 12-month journey of leadership growth that will empower the principals to create school environments that enable quality teaching and learning and strengthen ties between schools and their communities. Through projects implemented with their business partners principals will also address some specific challenges in their respective schools. Beyond its direct impact on the school principals, the programme’s impact in these 24 schools will extend to around 600 teachers and 19,000 learners. For the business leaders, this will be an opportunity to build their leadership skills and gain insights through involvement in the unfamiliar complexity of South African public schools. Baldwin Malebana, Principal of Phumulani Secondary in Katlehong, shared what he is most looking forward to in the next 12 Months: ‘’I am keen to understand how to integrate business skills and expertise into our school’s framework, with the goal of attracting investors and sponsors who align with my school’s vision. Through the collective life experiences of all my peers, I know that I now have access to a wealth of knowledge.’’ Citizen Leader Lab plans to implement Leaders for Education in Cape Town, Parys, Polokwane, Overberg, South Coast (KZN), Whiteriver, Gqeberha, East London, Johannesburg and Tshwane schools in 2024. If you are interested in supporting and/or participating in the programme, please email info@citizenleaderlab.org  

Empowering School Leaders Through Financial Management

Empowering School Leaders Through Financial Management Citizen Leader Lab is delighted to collaborate with leading professional services firm, Deloitte Africa, to introduce an exclusive Financial Management Series designed for school principals and bursars. The virtual series aims to equip school principals and bursars with essential knowledge and critical skills for effective financial management of public schools. The first instalment of the series took place on 19 March 2024. Acknowledging that the task is a multifaceted and demanding one that requires a high level of expertise, Deloitte Africa has developed a comprehensive guide to navigating the intricacies of public school finances. Through interactive discussions and practical insights, principals will gain the expertise needed to safeguard their schools from financial pitfalls. “Deloitte’s initiative to train public school principals in financial management in South Africa stems from a recognition of the critical role that effective financial management plays in the success of educational institutions. By providing this training, Deloitte aims to address systemic challenges within the education sector, particularly concerning the efficient allocation and utilisation of resources,” says Ashleigh Theophanides, Chief Sustainability Officer at Deloitte Africa. Theophanides notes: “Improved financial literacy among school principals can lead to better budgeting, resource allocation and decision-making, ultimately enhancing the quality of education and outcomes for students. Moreover, empowering school leaders with financial management skills contributes to greater transparency, accountability and sustainability within the education system, aligning with Deloitte’s broader commitment to social impact.” Komala Pillay, Chief Executive Officer at Citizen Leader Lab, said: ‘’As custodians of quality education in our schools, school principals require a deep understanding of their institutions, including its financial operations. By enhancing their financial literacy, school principals can proactively steer their schools towards sustainable growth and academic prosperity.’’ Pillay adds: ‘’This exclusive series powered by Deloitte Africa is our commitment to encouraging fiscal responsibility among school principals. We hope to have all of our Citizen Leader Lab alumni join us on this journey towards financial empowerment.’’ Look out for dates regarding upcoming events!

Public and Private Sector Leaders Bring Change to MosselBay School

Public and Private Sector Leaders Bring Change to MosselBay School The school principal’s world is one where challenges are a constant presence. The story of Mathemba Lolwana, the dedicated principal of TM Ndanda Primary in Isinyoka, Mosselbay, reaffirms that partnerships between different sectors are indeed transformative. Facing a host of challenges at his school, Lolwana found solace and support in Leaders for Education (previously Partners of Possibility), a Citizen Leader Lab programme, a platform designed to connect school principals with business leaders to drive positive change in and around schools. Strong leadership is integral to the success of all schools. Citizen Leader Lab facilitates a collaborative leadership journey between principals from public schools and private sector business leaders. By leveraging the diverse skill sets of both participants, school principals receive the support, management skills and access to social capital to create conducive teaching and learning environments within their schools. The NPO’s 12-month school leadership programme provides world-class workshops, professional coaching and comprehensive learning materials. Lolwana’s demanding role as the recently appointed principal of TM Ndanda underwent a significant shift when he was paired with Donovan Poole, a Security Training Assessor at 2RM Security. Poole not only shared Lolwana’s passion for education, but also brought a wealth of experience and a genuine desire to make a difference. ‘’Donovan entered the scene, and from the start, it was clear that our collaboration was going to be a success. I thought, here is a man of great leadership,’’ Lolwana reflects. The magic truly began to unfold when Lolwana and Poole identified the pressing issues facing TM Ndanda. “Our community is mainly poor, our school grounds were unkept, and the parents of the learners were not involved. But we made a plan for change,’’ Lolwana remarks, highlighting the shared vision that defines their partnership. Through regular meetings, effective planning and dogged determination, Lolwana and Poole have successfully implemented a project that has enhanced the school environment, mobilised parents and the community and promoted positive perceptions of the school. Their efforts yielded tangible results within three short months. “By organising a school cleaning day that brought together community members and other stakeholders, we not only revitalised the school, but also sparked a sense of pride and belonging within our school community. More parents started to show interest in the school because they see how clean the school has become,’’ says Lolwana. Following the success of the school clean up, Lolwana encourages fellow principals to invest in themselves and their communities by embracing the transformative potential of partnerships. “Networking, open communication, resilience and mutual learning are all important for a successful school – and all this comes with partnering with others,” he advises. He adds: ‘’At Citizen Leader Lab, we have a culture where principals and business leaders can openly express both their joys and challenges without judgement. Here, we share stories, learning from each other’s experiences without imposing advice. Instead, we offer recommendations, leaving the choice to act upon them with each individual. We view challenges as opportunities for growth. This approach has not only enhanced my leadership skills at work but has also positively impacted my personal life. I now confront challenges with confidence, knowing that success is just around the corner. To all newly appointed principals, I recommend joining this programme. It’s an environment where you can develop holistically,’’ he concluded.

Leadership programme set to transform schools, businesses and communities

Leadership programme set to transform schools, businesses and communities Citizen Leader Lab, a Non-Profit committed to leadership development in the public and private sectors, officially launched its Leaders for Education (previously Partners for Possibility) programme on 15 March in Johannesburg, bringing together public school principals and business leaders to collectively address the challenges schools in this region face. Challenges in education require solutions from both the public and private sectors. The Leaders for Education programme aims to facilitate collaboration between these sectors as they develop long-term, sustainable solutions together. Selected school principals from public schools, in partnership with business leaders from the private sector, have now begun a transformative 12-month leadership journey. Their mission to address the unique challenges faced by their respective schools is two-fold: To create a school environment that enables teaching and learning while strengthening the ties between schools and their communities. Beyond benefiting the participating school principals, the programme’s impact is expected to cascade down to over 300 teachers and 8000 learners.  For business leaders, this is an opportunity to refine their own leadership skills in the nuanced context of a South African public school. Baldwin Malebana, Principal of Phumulani Secondary in Katlehong, shared what he is most looking forward to in the next 12-months: ‘’I am keen to understand how to integrate business skills and expertise into our school’s framework, with the goal of attracting investors and sponsors who align with my school’s vision. Through the collective life experiences of all my peers, I know that I now have access to a wealth of knowledge.’’ Explaining why she became involved in the Leaders for Education programme, Lerato Phelane, a Chartered Account and newly appointed Board Member of Citizen Leader Lab, said: ‘’I recognise firsthand the transformative power of education. Education is the great equaliser, and through partnerships with school principals, we’re shaping environments where excellence thrives. The focus on developing leaders directly impacts the critical mass needed to build the future we want for South Africa. When leaders improve, so does everything else.’’ The success of the programme rests on the expert guidance of accredited coach, Kay Moodley, who will play an integral part in nurturing the leadership skills of the participants. In 2024, Citizen Leader Lab will continue to partner more public school principals and business leaders to tackle challenges in education. Support and participate in future launches of the transformative Leaders for Education programme by emailing Audrey@Citizenleaderlab.org  

Exclusive Leadership Opportunity for SMME Leaders in Bothaville

Exclusive Leadership Opportunity for SMME Leaders in Bothaville Citizen Leader Lab, a Non-Profit dedicated to leadership development in the public and private sectors, will launch its dynamic leadership programme, Leaders for Education (previously Partners for Possibility), in Bothaville, Welkom this April. What sets this apart is the chance for eight leaders of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) from the area to take part in this programme.  Rooted in the belief that strong leadership is pivotal for the success of businesses and schools alike, the Leaders for Education programme pairs business leaders with school principals on a collaborative leadership journey. Principals gain invaluable support, management skills and access to social capital which, in time, contributes to more conducive teaching and learning environments within their schools. At the same time, business leaders refine their leadership skills by navigating the complex landscape of a South Africa public school. The programme capitalises on the diverse skill sets of its participants and offers world-class workshops, professional coaching and comprehensive learning materials. In Bothaville, a community known for its prosperous maize farming industry, social challenges persist. High unemployment and food insecurity are prevalent issues among residents. Yet, programmes like Leaders for Education offer a promising path forward. As SMME leaders sharpen their business skills, school principals enhance their ability to lead and educate the youth. This partnership uplifts both businesses and schools, creating a mutually beneficial outcome for the entire community. Expressing his optimism about the impact of the programme, Citizen Leader Lab’s Regional Manager for the Free State, Selwyn Page, said: “Leaders for Education boasts tangible, real-world benefits for SMME leaders and their businesses. Beyond enhancing basic leadership skills, the programme offers unparalleled networking opportunities – all with a keen awareness of the time constraints these leaders face.’’ ‘’This tailored approach creates an environment that nurtures both personal and professional development, providing SMME leaders with the tools to overcome challenges unique to them.  As SMME leaders navigate the education system alongside a school principal, they refine their ability to lead. The programme bridges the gap between schools and businesses, creating a relationship that not only benefits both sectors but also contributes to a brighter future for all in Bothaville,’’ Page added. With over a decade of impact in leadership development, Citizen Leader Lab has successfully expanded its reach into all nine of South Africa’s provinces, including large metropolitan cities and outlying rural areas. This launch is Bothaville is made possible through the generous support of the FEM Education Foundation, a long-standing partner of Citizen Leader Lab. With the launch imminent, Page called on qualifying SMME leaders to sign up. ‘’SMME leaders in Bothaville are encouraged to express their interest in participating in this coveted leadership development programme. Eight lucky leaders will be selected to embark on this transformative journey at.’’ Page concluded. For further details and to apply for this opportunity, please contact Citizen Leader Lab facilitator for Welkom, Alexis Moshodi. Email: Alexis@Citizenleaderlab.org

Transforming Education: Chivonne Abrahams to Lead School Leadership Programme in Gauteng

Transforming Education: Chivonne Abrahams to Lead School Leadership Programme in Gauteng Abrahams, a seasoned Executive Coach with a passion for driving social change, is gearing up for an exciting new adventure as a facilitator with Citizen Leader Lab Citizen Leader Lab is expanding its impact in Gauteng by launching its renowned school leadership programme, Leaders for Education (previously Partners for Possibility), this March. The Non-Profit organisation is dedicated to leadership development that harnesses the collaborative power of the education and business sectors, as well as communities, and believes that partnerships between the public and private sectors are essential in addressing the challenges in education and society as a whole. School principals from various public schools will collaborate with business leaders from the private sector in a meticulously designed, research-based leadership development programme spanning 12 months. Together, they will confront the unique challenges encountered by their respective schools, with the goal of not only creating school environments conducive to teaching and learning, but also strengthening the bonds between schools and their communities. The process will be facilitated by Chivonne Abrahams, a Gordon Institute of Business Science certified professional coach with over nine years of experience. Abrahams, who is also the founder and CEO of Transcend Coaching Solutions, has a proven track record of guiding individuals and organisations toward meaningful growth and social impact. When asked about her motivation to join Citizen Leader Lab as a facilitator, Abrahams passionately shared: “We all have the opportunity to decide whether we will be active citizens in our communities, or whether we will be on the side-lines lamenting the current condition. Like all who have joined hands with Citizen Leader Lab, I choose to be the former: To be a catalyst for change who actively disrupts the status quo. I believe that Citizen Leader Lab creates the perfect environment to drive social change in tangible ways.” Abrahams emphasised that her role as a Citizen Leader Lab facilitator is to create a space for the school principals and business leaders to engage deeply with each other’s very different worlds. This, she believes, lays the foundation for enduring partnerships that bring together diverse perspectives and solutions, while also providing school principals with access to social capital that they may not have had outside of the programme. “Citizen Leader Lab’s ethos of creating impact through the strategic partnering of the private and public sector speaks to the heart of practical collaboration. It is an approach that I believe we can all be inspired by when we think about creating social impact,’’ she explained. Excited for the journey that lies ahead, Abrahams added: “I look forward to connecting with people who are passionate about collectively making a difference in education. I look forward to hearing their stories and to seeing budding partnerships blossom into firmly rooted partnerships.’’ Become a force for change in education and communities. For more details on how you can get involved in upcoming Leaders for Education launches, reach out to Audrey@Citizenleaderlab.org  

Lephalale Leads in 2024: School Leadership Programme launches this March

Lephalale Leads in 2024: School Leadership Programme launches this March Citizen Leader Lab, a leading Non-Profit organisation in South Africa, is set to launch its renowned Leaders for Education (previously Partner for Possibility) programme in Lephalale this March. The programme aims to address the education challenges that resonate deeply with Lephalale residents through an emphasis on school leadership development, community building and public and private sector partnerships. Citizen Leader Lab facilitates key public-private partnerships for lasting solutions to education challenges. Through its Leaders for Education programme, public school principals are paired with private sector business leaders in a 12-month leadership programme. Accredited coaches oversee these partnerships, providing guidance and support to ensure participants are equipped to drive positive change in schools and their surrounding communities. Since 2015, three cohorts of school principals and business leaders in Lephalale have benefited from Citizen Leader Lab’s world-class leadership development. This year’s cohort, facilitated by Astrid Basson, an Independent Training & Coaching Professional, continues the legacy of empowering participants from the coal mining town with valuable leadership skills. This is made possible through funding made available by the FEM Education Foundation (FEMEF) and the Capitec Foundation. Leaders for Education is focused on developing strong school leadership, as research shows that this is a pivotal factor to the success of a school. ‘’When school principals are adept at leadership, they are better able to support their teaching staff. This leads to improved teacher morale and motivation, and more innovation. The learners enjoy a more conducive and enriching learning environment. Through our Leaders for Education programme, school principals are not only empowered to become effective leaders. We begin to see positive changes at every level of the education system,” says Citizen Leader Lab’s Regional Manager for Limpopo, Audrey Jones. This year, Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) leaders in Lephalale, with an annual turnover of under R50 million, are invited to participate. The programme boasts tangible, real-world benefits for SMME leaders and their businesses. Beyond enhancing basic leadership skills, the programme offers unparalleled networking opportunities – all with a keen awareness of the time constraints these leaders face. ‘’This tailored approach creates an environment that nurtures both personal and professional development, providing SMME leaders with the tools to overcome challenges unique to them.  As SMME leaders navigate the education system alongside a school principal, they refine their ability to lead, ‘’ says Jones. Citizen Leader Lab invites school principals and SMME leaders (with an annual turnover of under R50 million) to enrol in its Leaders for Education programme in Lephalale. Participate in a leadership development programme that will transform your school, community or business. The programme will commence in March 2024. Please register your interest by contacting Astrid Basson. Email: Astrid@Citizenleaderlab.org