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.”