In August, Overberg kicked off an exciting new chapter with the launch of its second Leaders for Education cohort and celebrated the success of its first 

The Overberg community marked the start of a new cohort of school principal-business leader partnerships supported by Citizen Leader Lab, a Public Benefit Organisation committed to leadership development across the public and private sectors. 

Through the organisation’s Leaders for Education programme, selected public school principals and business leaders from Overberg have now embarked on a 12-month leadership journey designed to address the specific challenges faced by their schools.  

The Leaders for Education programme was founded on the belief that sustainable improvement in schools requires innovative solutions from both the public and private sectors. By pairing experienced business leaders with dedicated school principals, the programme facilitates an immersive exchange of leadership skills and ideas. This collaboration is reciprocal—a dynamic partnership where both parties learn and grow together, as they bring their unique strengths to the table. The programme’s design allows for a deep dive into the issues that matter most to the schools involved, with a focus on creating solutions that lead to lasting change. 

Participating schools come from three municipalities including the Cape Agulhas Municipality. Endorsed by three circuit managers* and reaching approximately 10,715 learners and 343 educators, the programme has garnered enthusiastic backing from the Overberg District Office for education. 

The impact is expected to ripple beyond the participating school principals. As they implement the strategies and insights gained from their partnerships, the benefits will extend to their teaching and support staff, and ultimately, to the learners themselves. For the business leaders involved, this partnership offers a unique opportunity to refine their leadership skills in a new and challenging environment. 

Jessica Batts, the Life, Leadership, Executive and Wellness Coach facilitating the partnerships, remarked: “The launch of this second cohort represents a continuation of a journey towards change that is driven by collaboration, innovation and a shared vision to making a difference in the lives of learners.” 

Arina Fyfer, a business leader from the region’s first Leaders for Education cohort, co-hosted the launch. 

As this new cohort began their leadership journey, Overberg’s inaugural cohort celebrated a year of relationships, collaboration and impact. 

Though the morning was chilly, the beauty of the Elgin Valley, nestled high in the mountains between the Cape vineyards, provided a stunning backdrop for the celebration. Attendees explored the picturesque venue, enjoyed a lovely breakfast and listened to inspiring stories of impact. The gathering was a celebration of the collective efforts of the school principals and business leaders who, over the course of a year, drove change in their schools, businesses and communities. 

Among the guests were two circuit managers, the chairperson of the Hermanus Business Chamber and the Group HR Director of Two-A-Day, the largest employer in the Grabouw Valley.  

The two circuit managers, who had the final word at the event, expressed immense pride in the accomplishments of the principals and business leaders, underscoring the importance of Citizen Leader Lab’s work in creating #TheFutureWeWant. 

*Circuit managers are the closest point of contact between school principals and districts. Their role is to manage principals and schools, and their responsibilities include leading and providing managerial, administrative and technical support, as well as resources and curriculum support.