Breakthrough leadership: Participants Emerge from Leadership Programme More Conscious, Capable and Confident
The Leaders for Education programme brings together public school principals and private sector leaders for an immersive and collaborative leadership experience. Over the past 12 months, school principals have seen their leadership skills improve, while business leaders have gained deep insights into the challenges of South Africa’s public education system. This cohort was the guided by AJ Edge, a facilitator celebrated for her expertise in people development and coaching.
At an intimate event held at Randburg’s Fairway Hotel on 13 September, participants recounted their transformative leadership journeys. They highlighted how the programme has not only refined their personal leadership, but also strengthened their ability to drive change and collaboration in their respective leadership roles.
Here is a glimpse into the insights shared by school principals and business leaders
School principals stepping into their roles self-aware and enthused
‘”On the programme, I learned how to respectfully interact with different people under different circumstances.
I was that leader who would not even let a parent finish their sentence. Now, I give every parent the space to fully express their concerns to me.”
Principal Sibusiso Nkomo, Zola Primary
“I am particularly proud of what I have been able to achieve with my team. After attending the Time to Think workshop, where I learned to really listen to others, I find that we are engaging more, thinking together and understanding each other better as a unit.”
Principal Zandile Ntaopane, Ferreira Primary
“I have become so much more confident as a leader.
In the past, I would avoid conflict, just hoping that things would improve without intervention. I have now learnt that problems don’t, unfortunately, solve themselves. I must tackle all conflicts head-on.
The programme also has a huge impact on my School Management Team and School Governing Body. I’m not afraid to ask for their input. I am giving them the forum to think and innovate – and everyone now feels part of the team.”
Principal Josephine Shabangu, Bordeaux Primary
“This programme taught me how to converse authentically with the parents of the school.
I implemented the principles of Community Building to shake up the way we held parents’ meetings. We used the power of the invitation to entice the parents and sat in circles to ensure everyone had a voice. The parents loved it. This approach has encouraged the parents to become involved in solving the school’s challenges, from fundraising to the learners’ academic performance.”
Principal Mathari Molobo, Meadowlands Primary
Business leaders navigate the intricacies of the education system, while enhancing their own leadership
“The dynamic of equality has been instilled in all my interactions. As a leader who consults and trains people, I want to be able to collaborate with others. This programme has allowed me to shift from merely dishing out advice, to an approach where I am consciously co-creating with the others.”
Mabusi Makhaza, HR Consultant to public and private sectors
“I started this programme with the idea that I was going to contribute A,B and C to my principal partner. I soon realised that this experience was so much more than that. It was a reflective journey that I personally gained so much from.”
Krishi Gopaul, Human Resources Business Partner at Mediclinic
“This programme went some way in helping me unlearn my negative leadership traits – and yes – I replaced them with some positive ones.
It emboldened me to ask for what I need in my workplace, and to be unapologetic about what is fair and just.
I have become a good manager, a good leader, and most importantly, a good citizen.”
Pumla Xonxa, Business Leader, Spar South Rand
“Two things stand out on my Citizen Leader Lab journey: I realised just how challenged schools in South Africa are. School principals are battling at every coalface.
I also appreciate the networking opportunities and meeting people from different industries.”
Mike Stuart, MD of National Rubber Matmin
“Leadership that builds a better future for ALL. This really sums up my experience over the past 12 months.
As a young leader, I want to encourage the people I work with to be self-leaders, responsible and accountable for their own decision-making. This programme gave the tools to do this, and I’m finding that this has cultivated mutual respect in my team.”
Sarah Sebetola, Sustainability Entrepreneur and Owner of Tshepiso Branding Solutions
Remembering the late Faith Ntando, former principal of Entandweni Primary
“It would be remiss to not mention our fellow colleague and friend, Faith, who passed away this year. While Faith was a participant in this programme, she took every opportunity to be involved in every way she could. She led her school with such vision, passion and calm determination. She was such a beautiful soul.”
AJ Edge, Social impact Coach and People Development Consultant
