“We’re teaching them to read and to dream”
“We’re teaching them to read and to dream” Coordinated collaboration, not just resources, is an antidote to SA’s literacy woes In a Grade 3 classroom at Maqadini Primary in KwaMashu, KwaZulu Natal, learners read in circles, reciting phonics poems while their Education Assistant points to syllable cards taped to their desks. For the first time, many can confidently sound out words. “This used to be the quiet class,” says Principal Bonisiwe Mkhize. “Now, you can hear them practising their reading from the corridor.” Maqadini is one of ten schools in the Pinetown District taking part in the Leaders for Literacy programme, a collaboration between Citizen Leader Lab, Khanyisa Inanda Seminary Community Projects (KICP) and the FEM Education Foundation. The multi-year initiative is reaching 64 foundation-phase teachers, 10 Education Assistants and 2,658 learners. Its goal is ambitious: To tackle literacy in South Africa by combining leadership development, teacher training and learner support into one integrated school improvement model. By now, we understand that the stakes have never been higher. The oft-cited 2021 PIRLS study still holds relevance: 81% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning. Just five months in, the collaboration is bearing fruit: School principals are leading with confidence, teachers are refining their pedagogical skills and classrooms are becoming better resourced. Better readers start with better leaders Rather than solely focusing on the learners, the programme’s first port of call is equipping school principals to lead. Through Citizen Leader Lab’s Leaders for Education programme, school principals partake in leadership coaching, workshops and peer-learning circles designed to strengthen personal leadership and school culture. These leaders work on more than just management skills; they learn to inspire, guide and mobilise their teams. When a school principal leads this way, they can oversee and sustain literacy improvements more effectively, creating an environment where teachers are supported, learners are engaged and parents feel involved. For Principal Celumusa Radebe of Vezamafa Primary, this realisation has been a turning point. “It’s not just about managing a school. It’s about leading people: Teachers, learners and parents with purpose.” This leadership-first approach is already influencing school culture. At Uthando Public Primary, Principal Lindelani Ngcongo has started monthly “family forums,” inviting parents to read alongside their children and teachers. “We’ve learned that parental involvement is critical,” he says. “When the community believes in literacy, the learners start believing too.” Within the walls of possibility If leaders set the vision, then teachers implement it on the ground. The KICP’s Foundational Learning Programme trains foundation-phase teachers to adopt practical, evidence-based literacy strategies. The workshops focus on improving reading and spelling skills, teaching isiZulu and English (First Additional Language) with Department of Basic Education resources, supporting neurodiverse learners and creating learner-centric lessons. Teachers also receive fine motor skill toolkits to help younger learners with handwriting. One teacher explained how her Grade 2 learners, many of whom could not hold a pencil correctly at the start of the year, are now writing full sentences. “The KICP team showed us how to use games and activities to build grip strength and confidence. Now, they’re racing to write.” Mrs Zulu, a Grade 2 teacher at Maqadini Primary, explains: “Before, we didn’t always know how to reach the learners who fell behind. Now we have strategies, resources and extra hands in the classroom. You can see the change in us and in the children.” ‘’Dress classrooms for success” Every participating school has an Education Assistant (EA), trained to work alongside teachers and learners. EAs run small reading circles, offering remedial and after-school support for learners. Trained by KICP, EAs rotate between Grades 1 to 3, helping teachers with visual aids and personalised resources. At Bhekilanga Primary, EA Nozipho Ngesi, recalls helping a group of learners struggling with basic sounds. “We practised the same syllables every day, using story cards and songs. The day one of the children read an entire sentence, he jumped up and shouted, ‘I can read!’ I cried with him.” While the impact is significant, so are the pressures. In some schools, one EA supports up to 12 classes, highlighting the need for additional resources as the programme scales. Tumultuous times The early wins are promising, but challenges remain. Teacher shortages, high learner-teacher ratios and pandemic-related learning deficits continue to strain classrooms. During teacher union picketing in June and service delivery protests in Inanda, multiple workshops had to be postponed. But school leaders, teachers and EAs have found way to forge ahead. WhatsApp groups, for instance, buzz with lesson ideas and troubleshooting. “We’re learning to adapt,” says Project Manager, Constance Gumbo. “Sometimes we take the workshops to the schools instead of central venues. We work after hours. The commitment is there from everyone.” When stakeholders converge The programme’s integrated approach is drawing attention. The KZN Department of Education has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with KICP to extend teacher professional development across the district. With external impact evaluations underway using Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) tools, the programme is already generating data that could inform broader national policy and a replicable model. At Maqadini Primary, a Grade 1 learner takes her first book home and reads it to her younger brother. At Gobhogobho Primary, parents gather for an afternoon reading circle. These are seemingly small moments, but they remind us: Collaboration is the undercurrent pulling both those responsible for teaching our children to read and those who care that they do, all in the same direction. Opening Your Heart (and Park) to Leadership Opening Your Heart (and Park) to Leadership Sometimes leadership starts with someone who opens their… Learn more 15 Years, 15 Cohorts: Leadership That Builds a Better Future For All 15 Years, 15 Cohorts: Leadership That Builds a Better Future For All Leadership Development Non-Profit,… Learn more Pioneering Pilot Equips Municipal Leaders for a Better SA Pioneering Pilot Equips Municipal Leaders for a Better SA Citizen Leader Lab, a Public Benefit… Learn more
Citizen Leader Lab 15 Year Timeline
Opening Your Heart (and Park) to Leadership
Opening Your Heart (and Park) to Leadership Sometimes leadership starts with someone who opens their heart, their caravan park, and says: “Let’s do this properly.” That someone is JP Nel. Tucked away in a serene caravan park on the South Coast that welcomes holidaymakers and pensioners riding out the winter, Nel has created a space where leadership, learning and community come together. That spirit of community is what made Nel a natural fit for Leaders for Education, Citizen Leader Lab’s flagship programme that pairs school principals with experienced business leaders to collaborate, learn from each other, engage in leadership coaching and reflect honestly. Business leaders are challenged to improve their own leadership and build connections with their communities. Before stepping into the programme, Nel had already spent years building a business and leading a team. He began his journey at the park in 2009 as the resort manager. Ten years later, he bought the business just six months before the COVID pandemic turned the tourism industry on its head. “It hit us hard. For years, our numbers just kept going down.” But Nel and his team persevered. “What’s amazing is that we’re finally starting to see a shift. Last year October and November, this year’s Easter… things are looking up again.” As part of the recovery, the on-site coffee shop was revamped and is now run as a business by Nel’s wife. “It just needed that feminine touch,” he says proudly. “She’s got a heart for people.’’ The ethos of care extends to their staff. “They’re not just here for a paycheck. They see the big picture. And when things go well, we all benefit.” Partnership and progress Nel’s Leaders for Education journey began in October 2023, when he was paired with the principal of Zembeni Senior Primary, Nhlanhla Xaba. This was Citizen Leader Lab’s inaugural Leaders for Education cohort on the South Coast. “Nhlanhla is humble, respectful and, at the same, authoritative. The discipline and kindness of the learners blew me away, especially given that they rely on feeding schemes just to get through the day.” Nel says. The experience helped him see schools not just as institutions, but as key levers in an education ecosystem sustained by committed school principals. Despite understaffing and limited resources, the partners quickly made a difference at the school. They mobilised the community to clean the school grounds, established a vegetable garden on unused land, addressed maintenance issues, developed fundraising ideas and organised night watchmen to boost school security. Nel and Ricardo de Oliveira, a local electrician and fellow business leader on the programme, also tackled a practical issue: The school’s eco-toilets lacked running water and relied on manually filled drums. Together, they looked at installing a solar-powered pump to fill the water tank overnight, offering a simple but effective upgrade to the school’s facilities. Leaders grow in good company Although the year-long programme formally ended in November 2024, Nel still recalls his experience vividly, and is still actively engaged with Principal Xaba. “We had a diverse, open group where trust came quickly. We laughed, we listened and we learned a lot from each other.” He likens the experience to being part of a spiritual group where people could grow together. The caravan park became an unofficial home for the cohort, hosting many of the programmes’ workshops and networking opportunities. “The park made people feel welcome. It wasn’t a formal space, so everyone could just be themselves.” Even his guests and staff picked up on the energy. “One of the security guards started referring to the group as ‘my friends.’ That’s when I realised something deeper had shifted.” Nel is known for posing astute questions, a quality that shone throughout the programme. However, the real impact, he believes, was evident in how he brought the lessons of the programme back to his own team. “Active listening really stood out for me. I realised I needed to spend more time with my staff. Not just talking about tasks but asking how they were doing.” He has also been able to create stronger, more thoughtful leadership practices, including support during staff emergencies. Now, with interest growing in a second Leaders for Education cohort on the South Coast, Nel is thinking about who else might step forward. When asked if he would recommend the programme to others, his answer is considered, but unhesitant. “People get scared when they hear the word ‘commitment’. But when something becomes part of your life, it stops feeling like an obligation and starts to feel like a way of being.” When you strip it back, Nel’s story reminds us that leadership isn’t about titles. It sometimes starts over shared cups of coffee in a caravan park. Contact kate@citizenleaderlab.org or akhona@citizenleaderlab.org to join South Coast’s second Leaders for Education cohort.
Who Will Lead the Future We Want?
Who Will Lead the Future We Want? Change in Welkom and surrounds is possible, but who is ready to lead it? Since 2021, Citizen Leader Lab’s Leaders for Education programme has been steadily transforming schools and communities in and around Welkom. So far, four successful cohorts, comprising 32 school principals and 32 business leaders, have changed the face of local education and leadership. This August, a fifth Leaders for Education cohort will launch. The moment is ripe for more business leaders in Welkom and surrounding towns like Virginia to contribute. “We’ve seen incredible commitment from school principals and business leaders who are passionate about making a difference,” says Alexis Moshodi, the local coach who has been working with Citizen Leader Lab to guide and support school principals and business leaders across the region. For Moshodi, the region’s transformation is personal. He lives the community’s challenges and believes in its potential. “Welkom and its surrounding communities were developed through the mining industry. It’s a melting pot of diversity from across Africa and the world. But with the decline of mining, we’ve seen many challenges creep in, like unemployment, substance abuse, dysfunctional families and child-headed households,’’ he explains. Yet amid these challenges, he sees hope. “The future is one that is full of possibilities. These possibilities redefine the community as one that is solutions-driven, where people come together in thinking partnerships. At Citizen Leader Lab, we believe schools are the centre of every community. That’s where transformation starts,’’ he says. Through the Leaders for Education programme, school principals are paired with business leaders in their region, forming partnerships that are not only supportive but also impactful. “These collaborations are mutually beneficial. As thinking partners, they bring different perspectives into each other’s worldviews. For many school principals, it’s having someone who listens without judgement. That alone can make a difference. They talk through their challenges and start seeing solutions,’’ says Moshodi. The outcomes from these previous cohorts speak volumes about what can be achieved through collaboration. ‘’We’ve seen social entrepreneurs emerge from these partnerships, selling products to schools and the community. During school holidays, families receive vegetables to eat. It’s a small thing, but it shows how a simple connection can create positive change,” he adds. With the new cohort launching, Moshodi urges business leaders in Welkom and nearby areas to get involved. “Some are leaving for other parts of South Africa or abroad,” he says with a chuckle, “but challenges exist everywhere. We need committed leaders to stay and work with us.” He adds: “Representation matters. Leaders who understand our communities are essential. Blaming others won’t help us move forward.” To any business leader wondering if they can make a difference, Moshodi has a simple call to action: “What is the future YOU want? It can be achieved with your participation. At Citizen Leader Lab, we create a space for possibilities to become a reality.” Contact alexis@citizenleaderlab.org to be part of the fifth Leaders for Education cohort launching this August About Citizen Leader Lab Founded in 2010, Citizen Leader Lab is dedicated to creating resilient leaders in the public and private sectors. Through leadership development programmes and workshops, individuals are empowered to be effective change agents in their communities. The Leaders for Education programme equips public school principals with essential school management skills and leadership training. School principals are partnered with experienced business leaders and engage in collaboration, peer learning, leadership coaching and practical school improvement projects.
15 Years, 15 Cohorts: Leadership That Builds a Better Future For All
15 Years, 15 Cohorts: Leadership That Builds a Better Future For All 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.
Equal Partners in Education: Cape Town Business Leaders Needed for Leadership Programme
Equal Partners in Education: Cape Town Business Leaders Needed for Leadership Programme As part of its continued commitment to developing leaders in the public and private sectors, Citizen Leader Lab is bringing its nationally acclaimed Leaders for Education programme to Cape Town this August. The programme brings together private sector business leaders and public school principals in a year-long collaboration focused on enhancing school leadership and uplifting local communities. Citizen Leader Lab is now calling on the province’s business leaders — whether seasoned executives, entrepreneurs or recently retired professionals — to take up the challenge. This is a unique opportunity for those ready to go beyond traditional Corporate Social Investment and get directly involved in supporting public school principals. “Leaders for Education is a hands-on leadership experience in one of the most complex and high-stakes environments we have: Our township schools. We are looking for leaders who are ready to roll up their sleeves and walk alongside school principals, not merely as mentors, but as equal partners,’’ says Selwyn Page, Regional Manager for Citizen Leader Lab in the Western Cape. Over the past 15 years, the Leaders for Education programme has made measurable impact in all nine provinces across South Africa, equipping school principals with critical leadership and management tools, while providing business leaders a chance to expand and evolve their own leadership through cross-sector collaboration, service and reflection. Cape Town’s school principals, especially in underserved areas, face enormous challenges. Many operate in isolation and carry the weight of entire school communities on their shoulders, often while contending with broader social issues such as poverty, disrupted family structures and the persistent threat of gangsterism that seeps into school environments. This programme creates a space for them to develop and lead with renewed strength, alongside a business leader who believes in their potential. “Good leadership should not stop at the gates of corporate South Africa,” says Page. ‘’Our school principals are asking for real allies, leaders with experience, commitment and heart. Citizen Leader Lab helps make these partnerships possible, laying the groundwork for lasting change in our schools and communities,” he adds. Each business leader-school principal partnership will engage in a structured leadership journey that includes professional coaching, networking and leadership development workshops. Ideal applicants include: Business executives or team leaders seeking to make an impact Entrepreneurs with a heart for community development Retired professionals looking to continue to make a difference Applications and enquiries: Michele Hinds, Citizen Leader Lab facilitator Email: michele@citizenleaderlab.org
Belonging in the Midlands
Belonging in the Midlands 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.”
Why is collaboration so important to us at Citizen Leader Lab?
Why is collaboration so important to us at Citizen Leader Lab? From the desk of Komala Pillay, CEO of Citizen Leader Lab This year, we celebrate 15 years of working in public education and supporting school leaders to become agents of change. We have worked with over 2,100 school leaders across all nine provinces, and our time on the ground in public schools has enabled us to understand the complexities and challenges that school leaders must navigate to transform their schools into centres of quality teaching and learning. School leaders working in low-income communities must contend with not only the typical administrative challenges of running a school but also with the socio-economic realities of the communities they serve. Issues such as poverty, crime, gangsterism and limited access to health care all negatively impact a child’s ability to learn and create additional hurdles for educators to overcome. Solving these challenges requires diverse expertise and support, and this is where collaboration becomes key to accelerate change. Collaboration is built into our DNA with our Leaders for Education programme enabling a deep and meaningful partnership between business leaders and school principals. Our School Leadership Forum has had us partnering with academic organisations and other NGOs since 2014 to bring additional tools and knowledge to our school principal alumni. We are proud of these collaborations, and we are currently building upon them with even deeper collaboration activities. In January I shared a new literacy collaboration project with Khanyisa Inanda Seminary Community Projects (KICP) and the FEM Education Foundation. This multi-year school literacy improvement project combines leadership development with foundation-phase teacher training and learner support. It is a school support model where we see significant potential: Leadership development + teacher training + learner remediation and acceleration = expedited school improvement We are already in conversations with other partners to apply this model to areas such as STEM improvement and youth employability. A critical principle that underpins our approach is that everything we do must be sustainable and contribute to systemic change. For this reason, our main partner and collaborator remains the Department of Basic Education. Collaboration is not without challenges, and so we approach each opportunity with care. It is however the only way to accelerate transformation and give South Africa a chance to achieve the ambitious 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and National Development Plan.
Leadership in Action: Our Q1 Highlights for 2025
Leadership in Action: Our Q1 Highlights for 2025 Launches in Q1 A new year brings exciting growth ̶ we rolled out multiple cohorts of our various leadership programmes across five provinces Leaders for Education New cohort in Tshwane New cohort in Johannesburg New cohort in Lephalale, Limpopo New cohort in Motheo, Free State New cohort in Buffalo City, Eastern Cape Leaders for Literacy We launched our Leaders for Literacy pilot in March this year, welcoming 10 schools, 10 alumni school principals and 20 School Management Team members onto the two-year programme. This pilot is taking place in the greater Durban area with collaboration partners, KICP. The simultaneous capacity building of SMT members, principals (Citizen Leader Lab) and foundation phase teachers (KICP) aims to empower the school’s leadership team to effectively ensure that the required literacy foundations are put in place. The end of a journey; the beginning of lasting impact We are proud to celebrate successful programme completion by several cohorts Leaders for Education Inaugural cohort in Randfontein, West Rand 57th cohort in Johannesburg 21st cohort in Tshwane School Management Team Leadership Development Programme (SMTP) First cohort in Johannesburg First cohort in Tshwane Leaders for Municipality Completion of our pilot in the City of Cape Town Spotlight on purpose-driven leadership Our CEO, Komala Pillay, successfully completed the prestigious NGO Whisperer Fellowship. Through expert-led masterclasses, mentorship, and global networking opportunities, the six-month initiative is designed to empower exceptional social sector leaders like Komala with the skills, networks, resources, and practical strategies needed to drive meaningful change in their communities. These achievements reflect the commitment of our team and partners to building strong, conscious, resilient leadership across sectors. Stay with us on this journey! There is more transformation on the horizon!
Connecting Resources to Impact: The Work of Our Business Development Team
Connecting Resources to Impact: The Work of Our Business Development Team The powerhouse fuelling our Business Development success Our Business Development team is a passionate force dedicated to raising funds that strengthen leadership in public schools and municipalities. Leading the team is Shane Perrier, our Business Development Lead, who drives fundraising efforts and innovative public-private partnerships to secure long-term support for our programmes. Working alongside him, Nontuli Moalusi leverages her expertise in strategic marketing, stakeholder engagement and fundraising to expand our leadership programmes nationwide. Completing the team, Damein Manilall focuses on building and maintaining strong relationships with funders, ensuring the sustainability and growth of our initiatives. Together, they bring a wealth of experience in fundraising, strategic collaboration, marketing, and brand development, all working towards a common goal: securing the resources needed to empower leaders, uplift communities and create #TheFutureWeWant. MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet swipe and support: Make every purchase count! Did you know you can support Citizen Leader Lab while doing your everyday shopping — at no extra cost to you? By selecting Citizen Leader Lab as your beneficiary on the MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet programme, every time you swipe your MySchool card at Woolworths and other partner stores, a portion of your spend goes directly towards empowering school leaders and driving meaningful change in education. It’s simple, free and impactful, in 3 easy steps: Sign up for a MySchool card (or update your beneficiary) Select Citizen Leader Lab as your chosen cause Swipe your card every time you shop at Woolworths and partner stores Every swipe makes a difference! Get started here: https://www.myschool.co.za/portal/register A note of support from our newest partner We’re excited to welcome Rand Mutual to our community of supporters. Their partnership will play a vital role in advancing our work in developing strong leaders for South Africa’s schools. Here’s what Lebohang Lerumo from Rand Mutual has to say: “We want to acknowledge the impactful work being done by Citizen Leader Lab in developing transformational leaders within our schools across South Africa. We’re looking forward to working together in 2025 and beyond to support this crucial effort in shaping the future of our nation.” — Lebohang Lerumo, Rand Mutual Thank you to our partners and funders At Citizen Leader Lab, we believe that transformational leadership has the power to change lives, schools and communities. But none of this would be possible without the generosity, trust and unwavering support of our incredible partners and funders. Your commitment to developing strong, values-driven leaders in South Africa’s education sector fuels our mission. With your support, we are equipping school principals, educators and community leaders with the skills and confidence to drive change — one leader at a time. Because of your support, schools are becoming thriving centers of excellence. Leadership is being redefined as a force for impact and transformation, and young South Africans are being empowered with hope, opportunity and a brighter future. From the entire Citizen Leader Lab team — THANK YOU! Your investment is an investment in our country’s leadership and education. We are honoured to walk this journey with you. Let’s continue to build a legacy of leadership, together. Individual Donors: Do you want to get involved but don’t know how? If you are a business leader or a supporter of education and want to back Citizen Leader Lab, we’ve made giving simple and flexible so you can contribute in a way that works best for you! Ways to Donate Once-off or Monthly Giving: Donate a lump sum or spread your contribution over 10 months Scheduled Donations: Set up a recurring donation directly from your bank account, choosing the amount and duration that fits your giving goals Why Donate? BBBEE & SED benefits: Businesses can allocate funds under Socio-Economic Development (SED) as 75%+ of our beneficiaries are black South Africans Tax deductible: All contributions are Section 18A tax deductible Non-Profit and Public Benefit Organisation: We are a registered NPO (#072-323) and PBO (#930029675), ensuring your donation directly supports transformative leadership in education. Make an impact today! Donate now: https://citizenleaderlab.org/donate/
