Leadership Development Non-Profit, Citizen Leader Lab, launched its 15th Leaders for Education cohort in the Winelands on 3 June 

Citizen Leader Lab has launched the 15th cohort of its Leaders for Education programme, welcoming principals from schools in Tulbagh, Paarl, Klapmuts, Kylemore, Kayamandi and Jamestown into its nationally recognised leadership development programme. The programme, which brings together the education and business sectors, continues to equip school leaders with the skills and support needed to create change in their schools and communities. 

This launch also coincides with a special milestone: 15 years of Citizen Leader Lab’s commitment to strengthening school leadership across South Africa. Since being introduced in the Winelands in 2012, the Leaders for Education programme has evolved into a robust network of over 120 school principals and 120 business leaders in the region. 

The programme runs over the course of a year and connects public school principals with experienced business leaders. Together, they engage in collaboration, peer learning, leadership coaching and practical school improvement projects. Through this process, participants gain essential skills in leadership, community mobilisation and strategic management. The programme is built on the belief that effective school leadership is one of the most impactful and cost-effective ways to improve learner outcomes and strengthen communities, particularly in regions facing deep-rooted socio-economic challenges. 

This is especially true in the Winelands, where, despite scenic beauty and a thriving wine industry, many communities grapple with high levels of unemployment, poverty and limited access to quality education and basic services. These conditions create challenges for school principals, who are often required to go beyond their administrative roles to support learners and families confronting these hardships. 

A key contributor to the programme’s continued success in the Winelands has been facilitator Jessica Batts, who has guided multiple cohorts since 2015.  

“Facilitating these cohorts has been a rewarding experience. I’ve witnessed school principals transform from overwhelmed managers into visionary leaders. The partnerships formed between schools and businesses go far beyond the classroom. We are building resilient communities,” Batts reflected. 

She added: “Reaching 15 years as an organisation, and specifically in the Winelands, is a moment of both celebration and renewed commitment. This 15th cohort is a continuation of this legacy of socially conscious leadership.’’  

The rollout of the programme in the region has been made possible through the support of sponsors including Mediclinic, Remgro, the Cape Wine Auction Trust, Perdekraal East Wind Farm and the FEM Education Foundation. 

About Citizen Leader Lab 
Citizen Leader Lab is a leadership development and support Non-Profit Organisation, committed to creating resilient leaders in both public and private sectors. Our vision is Leadership that builds a better future for all. Through our programmes and workshops, we empower individuals to become effective leaders and change agents in their communities. With 15 years of experience, Citizen Leader Lab promotes cross-sector collaboration, active citizenship and social cohesion, with a growing presence in the education sector.