Mohammed Sabi is the Director of Sphere Private Equity (Pty) Ltd, a high performing, black-owned investment holding company driven to create value for funders, shareholders and business partners 

As an experienced investment executive, I’ve spent years focused on strategic decisions and market trends. However, my decision to go back to school was driven by something far deeper: A growing concern for South Africa’s sustainability and the many communities often overlooked in our future vision. This desire to understand life beyond the leafy suburbs of Johannesburg led me to Citizen Leader Lab’s Execs Back to School event, where I sought to engage with the realities of our public schooling system and explore ways to make a meaningful contribution.  

Sponsored by Sphere Holdings, Execs Back to School is an annual event that brings together business executives and school principals for a day of purposeful dialogue, collaboration and action. 

For business executives, investing in the next generation of the workforce is crucial. Execs Back to School offers a unique chance to align corporate goals with social impact by addressing issues in South Africa’s education system. By connecting directly with school principals and communities, executives gain insights that help shape strategic decisions and drive positive change in education. 

Year of Leadership: Insights and Impact 

My Execs Back to School experience lasted just one day, but it sparked a desire to engage on a deeper level. This curiosity led me to embark on a more intensive journey of learning with Citizen Leader Lab, a Public Benefit Organisation dedicated to driving large-scale social change. Through the empowerment and development of leaders in key public sectors such as education and local municipalities, Citizen Leader Lab is transforming leadership where it matters most. 

By creating a partnership between a public school principal and myself, Citizen Leader Lab provided me with the forum to not only understand the state of affairs in South Africa’s public schooling, but to also make a meaningful contribution. Since education has played such a pivotal role in my own life, I believe that it is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal to tackle our challenges and to improve in our long-term trajectory as a country. 

My year-long partnership was with Principal Elias Shela of AB Phokompe Senior Secondary School in Randfontein, Johannesburg. It was humbling to work alongside such a highly experienced and professional individual, who despite the lack of recognition and financial compensation, remained true to his cause and commitment. Elias’s deep connection to his purpose and understanding of the education system brought home the power of aligning purpose with system knowledge in my own leadership practice.  

Elias is responsible for leading a no-fee school with 1415 learners and 37 teachers, but my experience showed, that his role went well beyond merely directing AB Phokompe. The unspoken sacrifices made by Elias, his team of teachers and support staff are truly commendable and their commitment to shaping the future of South Africa deserves to be celebrated and cherished. 

During our partnership, I was particularly struck by how simple acts of recognition and acknowledgment can rejuvenate the passion and energy of school leaders and teachers alike. This renewed vigour boosts their confidence and creates a more positive and effective school environment. I soon realised that, even though I had little to teach the staff and a principal with 35 years of experience, I could still make a difference by offering recognition, showing compassion and actively supporting their efforts. 

Another critical lesson I learned during the programme was the power of active listening. ‘Delicious listening’, as it was beautifully phrased, involves giving my full attention when someone speaks and being a thinking partner – and not necessarily the problem-solver. This skill transformed my interactions, not just with Elias, but also in my personal and professional life. Listening actively allowed me to build deeper relationships with and gain valuable insights from those around me. It is a practice I now consciously apply in all areas of my life, from work meetings to family dinners. 

An Invitation to SA’s Executives 

As an executive, going back to school has broadened my perspectives beyond the bottom line. It has helped me understand the human element, the struggles and the triumphs of those beyond the business world. This approach is essential for executives who want to create sustainable change in South Africa. It is about stepping outside of the comfort zones of our offices and engaging with the broader challenges our society faces.  

My exposure to the realities faced by leaders in the public schooling system was simultaneously eye-opening and heart-wrenching. For any professional or concerned citizen wanting to make a difference, I strongly recommend engaging with Citizen Leader Lab, whether you join for the single-day Execs Back to School event or commit to a full year on their leadership programmes. With a proven model and results for over more than a decade, the organisation provides the exposure and structured support needed to move from intention to action. 

I invite executives to embrace this opportunity to contribute towards the foundations of a sustainable future – a future we can all be proud of as South Africans. 

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.  

About Sphere 

Founded in 2003, Sphere is a high-performing investment holding company dedicated to creating value for funders, shareholders and business partners. With nearly two decades of success, Sphere seeks investment opportunities in high-quality privately owned businesses across various strategic sectors. The company’s achievements are driven by an experienced team, its own capital, a disciplined investment approach and extensive networks. As a majority black-controlled entity, Sphere supports South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment goals and is expanding its focus to the broader continent. Approximately 15% of Sphere’s shares are held by charitable organisations, benefiting over five million people across nine provinces in South Africa.