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.   

Citizen Leader Lab 15 Year Timeline

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.      

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.”   

Why is collaboration so important to us at Citizen Leader Lab? 

Why is collaboration so important to us at Citizen Leader Lab? From the desk of Komala Pillay, CEO of Citizen Leader Lab  This year, we celebrate 15 years of working in public education and supporting school leaders to become agents of change. We have worked with over 2,100 school leaders across all nine provinces, and our time on the ground in public schools has enabled us to understand the complexities and challenges that school leaders must navigate to transform their schools into centres of quality teaching and learning.  School leaders working in low-income communities must contend with not only the typical administrative challenges of running a school but also with the socio-economic realities of the communities they serve. Issues such as poverty, crime, gangsterism and limited access to health care all negatively impact a child’s ability to learn and create additional hurdles for educators to overcome.   Solving these challenges requires diverse expertise and support, and this is where collaboration becomes key to accelerate change.  Collaboration is built into our DNA with our Leaders for Education programme enabling a deep and meaningful partnership between business leaders and school principals. Our School Leadership Forum has had us partnering with academic organisations and other NGOs since 2014 to bring additional tools and knowledge to our school principal alumni. We are proud of these collaborations, and we are currently building upon them with even deeper collaboration activities.  In January I shared a new literacy collaboration project with Khanyisa Inanda Seminary Community Projects (KICP) and the FEM Education Foundation. This multi-year school literacy improvement project combines leadership development with foundation-phase teacher training and learner support. It is a school support model where we see significant potential:  Leadership development + teacher training + learner remediation and acceleration = expedited school improvement  We are already in conversations with other partners to apply this model to areas such as STEM improvement and youth employability. A critical principle that underpins our approach is that everything we do must be sustainable and contribute to systemic change. For this reason, our main partner and collaborator remains the Department of Basic Education.  Collaboration is not without challenges, and so we approach each opportunity with care. It is however the only way to accelerate transformation and give South Africa a chance to achieve the ambitious 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and National Development Plan.  

Leadership in Action: Our Q1 Highlights for 2025 

Leadership in Action: Our Q1 Highlights for 2025 Launches in Q1  A new year brings exciting growth  ̶  we rolled out multiple cohorts of our various leadership programmes across five provinces    Leaders for Education   New cohort in Tshwane  New cohort in Johannesburg  New cohort in Lephalale, Limpopo  New cohort in Motheo, Free State  New cohort in Buffalo City, Eastern Cape  Leaders for Literacy   We launched our Leaders for Literacy pilot in March this year, welcoming 10 schools, 10 alumni school principals and 20 School Management Team members onto the two-year programme. This pilot is taking place in the greater Durban area with collaboration partners, KICP.   The simultaneous capacity building of SMT members, principals (Citizen Leader Lab) and foundation phase teachers (KICP) aims to empower the school’s leadership team to effectively ensure that the required literacy foundations are put in place.   The end of a journey; the beginning of lasting impact  We are proud to celebrate successful programme completion by several cohorts   Leaders for Education   Inaugural cohort in Randfontein, West Rand  57th cohort in Johannesburg  21st cohort in Tshwane  School Management Team Leadership Development Programme (SMTP)  First cohort in Johannesburg  First cohort in Tshwane     Leaders for Municipality    Completion of our pilot in the City of Cape Town  Spotlight on purpose-driven leadership  Our CEO, Komala Pillay, successfully completed the prestigious NGO Whisperer Fellowship. Through expert-led masterclasses, mentorship, and global networking opportunities, the six-month initiative is designed to empower exceptional social sector leaders like Komala with the skills, networks, resources, and practical strategies needed to drive meaningful change in their communities.   These achievements reflect the commitment of our team and partners to building strong, conscious, resilient leadership across sectors. Stay with us on this journey! There is more transformation on the horizon!   

More Than a Seat at the Table: Dr Sharon Munyaka on Courage, Collaboration and Change 

More Than a Seat at the Table: Dr Sharon Munyaka on Courage, Collaboration and Change What happens when a leader who has spent her career guiding others through transformation takes on a new challenge of her own?  In March, Dr Sharon Munyaka, a seasoned industrial psychologist, stepped into her role as the new Chairperson of Citizen Leader Lab’s Board. With decades of experience in co-creating leadership strategies and facilitating workplace transformation, she is no stranger to navigating change — only now, she is leading from a new vantage point, which enables her to influence leadership transformation across multiple sectors.  Her appointment is also a timely reminder of women’s capacity to nurture leadership, drive transformation and break glass ceilings in every sector.   In this conversation, she reflects on what it truly means to lead with courage, shares hard-won leadership lessons and reveals her bold vision for Citizen Leader Lab’s future.  As the new Chairperson of Citizen Leader Lab, what is your vision for the organisation?  My vision is to support Citizen Leader Lab in its mission to develop resilient and capable leaders who can drive meaningful change in their communities. Leadership, to me is about making a real difference, especially in communities that often get overlooked. I believe in empowering leaders who lead with empathy, who roll up their sleeves to solve problems and who know that real, lasting change happens when people come together. It’s about creating a ripple effect, one leader inspiring and uplifting others, so we can all move forward, together.  Lastly, for me, leadership is beyond how people experience you, but more on how people experience themselves because they have been led by you.   What does leadership mean to you, and how has your journey shaped your perspective on leading with impact?  Service, accountability and the ability to inspire others toward a common goal. It is about leading with integrity and ensuring that our actions create long-term positive impact. My journey has taught me that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about creating spaces where others feel empowered to contribute, innovate and grow. Facing challenges, navigating setbacks and learning from different leadership styles have all strengthened my resolve to be a leader who listens, adapts and acts.  What are some of the biggest challenges that women leaders face today, and how can they be addressed?  I’ve found that women leaders still often deal with outdated stereotypes, like the assumption that they’re less capable than their male counterparts, or the pressure to “have it all” while juggling work and family life. On top of that, opportunities for growth and leadership roles aren’t always handed out equally, and breaking into decision-making spaces can feel like an uphill battle.  So, how do we fix this? It starts with real, intentional action. Companies and organisations can step up by creating mentorship programmes to guide and empower women, implementing policies that actually support work-life balance (think flexible hours & hybrid work models or parental leave) and making sure women have a seat at the table when big decisions are being made.   But it’s not just about policies, it’s about culture, too. Women supporting women is huge. Building strong networks where we can share experiences, advice and encouragement can make all the difference. At the end of the day, it’s about levelling the playing field so that women leaders can thrive without having to constantly prove themselves.  Can you share a personal experience where you had to break barriers as a woman in leadership?  As a woman working across industries, the challenge was usually with the perception of being a young woman with limited knowledge. Another incident I can recall is having to justify my decision to breastfeed because I was required to travel as part of my role. Thankfully speaking up helped because I continued to breastfeed my child.   How can public-private partnerships contribute to developing women leaders, especially in underprivileged communities?  Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have the potential to create real impact by pooling resources, knowledge and expertise. Businesses can provide funding and mentorship programmes, while government institutions can ensure policy support and access to opportunities. By working together, these sectors can create leadership development programmes, scholarship opportunities and entrepreneurship initiatives tailored to the unique challenges that women in underprivileged communities face. These partnerships must also prioritise mentorship, access to capital and capacity-building to ensure long-term success.  What strategies can organisations like Citizen Leader Lab adopt to create transformative leadership for women?  Citizen Leader Lab can play a pivotal role by creating leadership incubators specifically designed for women, ensuring they have access to mentors, training and networking opportunities. We must also integrate gender-sensitive leadership models into our programmes, ensuring that leadership development addresses the real challenges women face. Encouraging male allies to actively support women’s leadership and advocating for policy changes that promote inclusivity in the workplace are also essential strategies.  What message would you like to share with young women aspiring to lead in their communities and industries?  Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. Never let doubt, whether internal or external, dim your potential. Leadership is not about waiting for permission, it is about stepping forward, even when it feels uncomfortable. Seek mentorship, build strong networks and always uplift other women as you climb. Remember, leadership is not about titles – it’s about impact. So, take action, take up space and keep pushing forward. The world needs your leadership. 

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/ 

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.’’