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!
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.
Active or Retired? Parys Business Leaders, Bring Your Expertise to Local Schools
Active or Retired? Parys Business Leaders, Bring Your Expertise to Local Schools Aha Setjhaba Primary is in the heart of the action, where Citizen Leader Lab’s current Parys cohort is leading change through business-education partnerships Citizen Leader Lab is calling on experienced business leaders in Parys, whether still active or recently retired, to step into a bold new role Through the launch of its Leaders for Education programme in Parys this May, Citizen Leader Lab is inviting business leaders to partner with local school principals in a high-impact leadership development programme designed to strengthen public education and revitalise communities. Citizen Leader Lab has already launched two cohorts in Parys, with one currently underway. These partnerships are already making an impact — and there is room for more business leaders to get involved. Backed by more than a decade of measurable success across South Africa, Leaders for Education equips school principals with leadership and management skills, while offering business leaders an opportunity to develop their own leadership through collaboration, reflection and real-world problem-solving. Parys, like many towns in South Africa, faces ongoing socio-economic challenges. By connecting school principals with business leaders, the programme aims to not only uplift schools but also inspire community-wide resilience and progress. “This programme is about more than skills development. It’s about active citizenship. It’s about South Africans showing up for each other, using their leadership experience to strengthen our education system and contribute to society,’’ says Selwyn Page, Citizen Leader Lab’s Regional Manager for the Free State. Through this innovative programme, business leaders and school principals are paired in partnerships that span a full year. Participants engage in world-class leadership workshops and professional coaching and peer learning. Where leadership meets impact: Parys’ current Leaders for Education cohort in motion ‘’We’ve seen participating business leaders discover renewed purpose, sharpen their leadership skills and gain fresh perspective as they navigate the realities of South African public schools. Many describe the experience as eye-opening and life changing. School principals, in turn, receive support, access to social capital and a network of allies they might not otherwise have, enabling them to lead with greater confidence. Together, these partnerships contribute to better managed schools and more conducive learning environments for our youth,’’ Page adds. Building on this cross-sector approach, Citizen Leader Lab has also begun working with local municipalities. By equipping both school and municipal leaders with similar leadership frameworks and tools, the organisation is creating a culture of collaboration and a more unified approach to community development. Who should apply? Citizen Leader Lab is seeking applicants in or near Parys who meet the following profile: Current or former business owners, managers or executives Retired professionals who have led teams or departments Entrepreneurs or SMME leaders with a strong sense of social responsibility Individuals with a vested interest in local community development To apply or find out more, contact Citizen Leader Lab facilitator, Philippa Swart Email: philippa@citizenleaderlab.org
The Impact Continues: 15 Years, 2,124 Business-Education Partnerships and Counting
In a celebration of leadership and partnership, Citizen Leader Lab honoured the achievements of its latest Leaders for Education cohort in Johannesburg on 15 March at IQ Business Park, Rivonia. The event showcased how collaboration between schools and businesses is transforming education and communities. For 12 months, school principals and business leaders learned, collaborated and grew as conscious leaders. With the guidance of an accredited coach, they attended top-tier leadership workshops, received professional coaching and accessed valuable learning resources. Drawing on their diverse expertise, they tackled school leadership challenges and developed solutions to support learners, teachers and communities. Since 2010, Citizen Leader Lab has been at the forefront of strengthening leadership in both the public and private sectors. Through 2,124 business-education partnerships, the organisation has equipped principals with the skills, confidence and social capital to lead change in their schools, while giving business leaders the opportunity to actively contribute to South Africa’s future. As this cohort reflected on their journey, their stories spoke of resilience, growth and a collective commitment to steering social change. Kay Moodley, an Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker and Professional Management Business Coach, facilitated this cohort, helping participants navigate their leadership journey “A year ago, we weren’t familiar with each other, but we came together to learn, joined by a common purpose to be active citizens. This journey has not been linear, but despite your own personal challenges, each and every one of you showed up and were present. Congratulations — you have played a part in creating the future we want!” Rehana Jardine, Principal of UJ Academy ‘’My business leader partner taught me to be brave and to not stop myself. We committed to supporting each other, and sometimes that support was not necessarily tangible. At school level, I have implemented ‘circle meetings’, embraced community building principles and transformed our parents’ meetings. I have learned to speak to people rather than at them, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.” Kopano Cowen, CEO of Connect TV and COO of Baza Creative Media “My year has been characterised by so many paradigm shifts, and I have gained a whole new network from different industries. It has been particularly rewarding to walk a mile in the shoes of the principals I’ve worked with. I am especially proud of the work done with my principal partner to embrace social media at the UJ academy, and I am excited to see how I can further inject creativity into the school.” Annah Thobejane, Principal of Thutopele Secondary ‘’As a newly appointed principal, what was important for my school and my team was creating a serious, committed school culture based on teamwork. I noticed a shift in energy and mindset within my team since I began this programme. We now actively involve teachers and staff, encouraging them to learn from each other.” Mike Wood, Management Consultant at The Growth Collective “My principal partner, Annah, deeply cares and is highly committed to a school of over 1,700 learners. This journey gave me a new lens into the education system and the immense challenges principals navigate daily. Being a principal is more than a job — it’s a calling. This programme reinforced the value of partnership and how powerful it is to share both the good and the difficult moments.” Jonas Mashele, Financial Accountant at SPAR South Rand ‘’It has been an honour to go back to school through this programme. I realised that I have a passion for education. This journey allowed me to take a step back and think about how I can lend a hand and what legacy I will leave behind for our children.” Marista Fey, Lecturer at the Wits Business School ‘’This journey has been one of learning and growth. The workshops provided me with valuable tools and skills that I will continue to use. There was a strong emphasis on relationships and their practical application in the real world. I’ve also come to deeply respect the gravitas that most principals carry. Throughout this experience, we’ve learned to be brave, to be vulnerable and to lean into the unknown.” Michelle Batchelor, Principal of Futura Special School ‘’With her pharmaceutical background, my partner, Beverly Schleiss, arranged a session with the Head of Psychiatry at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital to speak with our parents. This was especially impactful for our special needs school, as it highlighted the importance of medication adherence for learners and the crucial role parents play in the process.” Baldwin Malebana, Principal of Phumulani Secondary “It’s easy to get buried in negativity in township schools because of the myriad social challenges, but this programme taught me that there are countless possibilities. Because of this partnership, I was able to engage with the Department of Social Development for the benefit of my school.” Andrew Barret, OLICO Maths NPC Co-Founder and Director “The Leaders for Education journey has been revealing. Even though I work in the education space, I have gained a renewed respect for principals. My partner has made a measurable impact at his school, connecting with alumni who are now giving back.” Pascal Rikhotso, Principal of Sandringham High “Andrew and I wanted to improve learner performance by involving school alumni. This is a work in progress, but the journey has sharpened my mind to what is possible when we work together. “I am particularly proud that Sandringham High was named the most improved school in the district, increasing our matric pass rate from 63.4% in 2023 to 93.8% in 2024.” About Citizen Leader Lab Citizen Leader Lab is a leadership development and support Public Benefit 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.
More Than a Seat at the Table: Dr Sharon Munyaka on Courage, Collaboration and Change
More Than a Seat at the Table: Dr Sharon Munyaka on Courage, Collaboration and Change What happens when a leader who has spent her career guiding others through transformation takes on a challenge of her own? In March, Dr Sharon Munyaka, a seasoned industrial psychologist, stepped into her role as the new Chairperson of Citizen Leader Lab’s Board. With decades of experience in co-creating leadership strategies and facilitating workplace transformation, she is no stranger to navigating change — only now, she is leading from a new vantage point. As we approach International Women’s Day on 8 March, her appointment is a timely reminder of the impact women have in nurturing leadership, driving transformation and breaking glass ceilings in every sector. In this conversation, she reflects on what it truly means to lead with courage, shares hard-won leadership lessons and reveals her bold vision for Citizen Leader Lab’s future. As the new Chairperson of Citizen Leader Lab, what is your vision for the organisation? My vision is to support Citizen Leader Lab in its mission to develop resilient and capable leaders who can drive meaningful change in their communities. Leadership, to me is about making a real difference, especially in communities that often get overlooked. I believe in empowering leaders who lead with empathy, who roll up their sleeves to solve problem, and who know that real, lasting change happens when people come together. It’s about creating a ripple effect, one leader inspiring and uplifting others, so we can all move forward, together. Lastly, for me leadership is beyond how people experience you but more on how people experience themselves because they have been led by you. What does leadership mean to you, and how has your journey shaped your perspective on leading with impact? Service, accountability and the ability to inspire others toward a common goal. It is about leading with integrity and ensuring that our actions create long-term positive impact. My journey has taught me that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about creating spaces where others feel empowered to contribute, innovate and grow. Facing challenges, navigating setbacks and learning from different leadership styles have all strengthened my resolve to be a leader who listens, adapts and acts. What are some of the biggest challenges that women leaders face today, and how can they be addressed? I’ve found that women leaders still often deal with outdated stereotypes, like the assumption that they’re less capable than their male counterparts, or the pressure to “have it all” while juggling work and family life. On top of that, opportunities for growth and leadership roles aren’t always handed out equally, and breaking into decision-making spaces can feel like an uphill battle. So, how do we fix this? It starts with real, intentional action. Companies and organisations can step up by creating mentorship programmes to guide and empower women, implementing policies that actually support work-life balance (think flexible hours & hybrid work models or parental leave) and making sure women have a seat at the table when big decisions are being made. But it’s not just about policies, it’s about culture, too. Women supporting women is huge. Building strong networks where we can share experiences, advice and encouragement can make all the difference. At the end of the day, it’s about levelling the playing field so that women leaders can thrive without having to constantly prove themselves. Can you share a personal experience where you had to break barriers as a woman in leadership? As a woman working across industries, the challenge was usually with the perception of being a young woman with limited knowledge. Another incident I can recall is having to justify my decision to breastfeed because I was required to travel as part of my role. Thankfully speaking up helped because I continued to breastfeed my child. How can public-private partnerships contribute to developing women leaders, especially in underprivileged communities? Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have the potential to create real impact by pooling resources, knowledge and expertise. Businesses can provide funding and mentorship programmes, while government institutions can ensure policy support and access to opportunities. By working together, these sectors can create leadership development programmes, scholarship opportunities and entrepreneurship initiatives tailored to the unique challenges that women in underprivileged communities face. These partnerships must also prioritise mentorship, access to capital and capacity-building to ensure long-term success. What strategies can organisations like Citizen Leader Lab adapt to create transformative leadership for women? Citizen Leader Lab can play a pivotal role by creating leadership incubators specifically designed for women, ensuring they have access to mentors, training and networking opportunities. We must also integrate gender-sensitive leadership models into our programmes, ensuring that leadership development addresses the real challenges women face. Encouraging male allies to actively support women’s leadership and advocating for policy changes that promote inclusivity in the workplace are also essential strategies. This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is ‘’Accelerate Action’’. How does this resonate with you? Accelerating action means moving beyond conversations and into implementation. It means holding institutions accountable for gender equality, ensuring policies are enacted and breaking down barriers that slow down progress. To me, it is a call to be intentional in our leadership and to push for systemic changes that create equal opportunities for women, not tomorrow, but today. What message would you like to share with young women aspiring to lead in their communities and industries? Your voice matters. Your ideas matter. Never let doubt, whether internal or external, dim your potential. Leadership is not about waiting for permission, it is about stepping forward, even when it feels uncomfortable. Seek mentorship, build strong networks and always uplift other women as you climb. Remember, leadership is not about titles – it’s about impact. So, take action, take up space and keep pushing forward. The world needs your leadership. 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
Pioneering Pilot Equips Municipal Leaders for a Better SA
Pioneering Pilot Equips Municipal Leaders for a Better SA Citizen Leader Lab, a Public Benefit Organisation committed to leadership development in the public and private sectors, has successfully completed the pilot phase of its new Leaders for Municipality programme. With South Africa’s municipalities facing mounting challenges in governance, service delivery and financial stability, this timely programme equips municipal leaders with the skills, knowledge and support needed to drive sustainable development and improve communities across South Africa. South Africa’s municipalities have made significant progress in reducing poverty levels since 1994. They, however, continue to endure fiscal constraints, aging infrastructure and resource limitations, making it difficult to meet community needs. The Leaders for Municipality programme reflects Citizen Leader Lab’s commitment to tackling these pressing public sector challenges as outlined by the National Development Plan. Launched in February 2024 in the City of Cape Town, the pilot programme brought together 10 municipal leaders and 10 business leaders in co-learning, co-action partnerships. Over the past year, participants engaged in workshop-based training to develop foundational leadership skills, received professional coaching and have benefitted from in-field support to apply their learnings to real-world challenges. The Leaders for Municipality programme is modelled on Citizen Leader Lab’s highly successful Leaders for Education programme, which pairs school principals and business leaders on a collaborative leadership journey. Speaking on the positive outcomes of the pilot, Komala Pillay, CEO of Citizen Leader Lab, said: The Leaders for Municipality pilot was an exciting step in expanding Citizen Leader Lab’s leadership development model beyond education and into the municipal space. Our core belief at Citizen Leader Lab is that leadership is the key to transformation. Our country will not move forward unless we, as leaders, step up, take risks and work together in new ways. The leaders in this room have done exactly that. They made a decision to invest in their own leadership growth and to build partnerships that can create lasting change. This pilot has demonstrated that when leaders from different sectors come together with a shared commitment to learning and action, the impact is tangible. Our goal now is to scale this programme, bringing it to municipalities that face even greater challenges. I am optimistic about what’s next.” The pilot saw participating municipal leaders begin to build trust within their teams, facilitate collaboration and implement innovative approaches to challenges. These early wins demonstrate the programme’s potential to shift the trajectory of South Africa’s municipalities by strengthening their ability to serve citizens effectively. As one municipal leader noted: ‘’Each element of the programme catalyses important learning and prioritises working together to take leaders from knowledge through insight into practical application. One of the main reasons for this is that partnerships between business and municipal leaders ensure that each leader gets to really focus on their own growth, work challenges and practical real-world work projects.’’ Key partners in this pilot phase included long-standing Citizen Leader Lab supporter, Sphere Holdings and avid sponsor, the Old Mutual Foundation. Reflecting on their involvement, Itumeleng Kgaboesele, Founder and CEO of Sphere Holdings, said: “Having witnessed the transformative impact of Leaders for Education, it was clear that a similar approach was needed for municipal leaders. This programme has the potential to reshape municipalities into thriving, responsive institutions that serve their citizens effectively. As the business sector, we must champion stability, and this is one way to contribute to that future.” Expressing a similar sentiment, Celiwe Ross, Public Affairs Director at Old Mutual, said: ‘’There is an urgent need to address our service delivery challenges in South Africa. This will not only put us in a better position to attract more investment into the country, but it will also ensure that every South African, has access to basic service and infrastructure needs. To this end, it is truly a pleasure for Old Mutual to have come onboard as a sponsor. This initiative is aligned with our business objectives.” The success of this pilot marks the beginning of a wider rollout, with plans to extend the programme to more municipalities in 2025. 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, we empower individuals to be effective change agents in their communities. With 15 years of experience, we continue to grow our presence in education and extend our influence into critical public sectors, promoting cross-sector collaboration, active citizenship and social cohesion.
A Transformative Leadership Approach to Public Education in South Africa
A Transformative Leadership Approach to Public Education in South Africa School principals can serve as change agents who transform their schools into thriving environments for teaching and learning. An article in the current issue of Childhood Education Innovations magazine highlights the Leaders For Education program by Citizen Leader Lab. This program focuses on leadership development and support for principals working in underprivileged communities. Read Full Article Here
Exciting News for 2025: A Massive Milestone & New Impact Initiatives!
Exciting News for 2025: A Massive Milestone & New Impact Initiatives! This year is a big one for Citizen Leader Lab, and we would like to share some exciting developments on the horizon. Scaling Impact in Municipal Leadership In 2024, we launched our first Leaders for Municipality pilot in partnership with Sphere Holdings and Old Mutual Foundation—bringing our proven leadership model to Municipal Managers. The response in the pilot programme has been overwhelmingly positive, with leaders gaining powerful insights and real-world solutions for their teams. A snippet of one leader’s feedback on the experience: “It has been a joy and a privilege to participate in the Leaders for Municipality programme. Each of the elements of the programme catalyse important learning and work together in a wonderful way to take the leaders from knowledge, through insight and into practical application. One of the main reasons for this high-benefit experience is that the partnerships between business and municipal leaders ensure that each leader gets to really focus on their own growth edges, work challenges and practical real-world work projects. Business partners have also gone into the working environment and assisted with team development, planning, innovation ideas and more.” We look forward to working with more municipalities in 2025 and beyond! Exciting New Programmes in Education Education is at the heart of our work—it’s where we started, and it remains a key driver of social change. Over the years, we’ve grown from supporting school principals (Leaders for Education) to working with School Management Teams (SMT Leadership Programme). In 2025, we’re taking it even further—exploring leadership development for District Officials to drive systemic change at an even greater scale. Along with expanding our support for education leaders, we are also actively pursuing collaboration as a key strategy to achieve sustainable and systemic change. To this end we are pleased to share that 2025 will see us collaborate with Khanyisa Inanda Community Projects (KICP) and the FEM Education Foundation to pilot a multi-year school literacy improvement programme that combines leadership development with foundation-phase teacher training. Marking a significant milestone And finally, 2025 marks a huge milestone for us — 15 years of leadership development impact! What started as a single person’s bold vision has grown into a thriving organisation of talented change-makers committed to building a better future for all. Over the past 15 years we’ve been stretched, challenged, and inspired — and we’re grateful to keep making a difference in this beautiful country. None of this would have been possible without our incredible partners, supporters, and friends. Stay tuned for more on our 15-year celebration and thank you for your contribution to creating #TheFutureWeWant #TheFutureWeWant.
Dr Sharon Munyaka Appointed New Chairperson of Citizen Leader Lab
Dr Sharon Munyaka Appointed New Chairperson of Citizen Leader Lab Citizen Leader Lab is excited to announce the appointment of Dr Sharon Munyaka as the new Chairperson of the Board, effective 1 March 2025. She will be taking over from Melanie Weeks who concludes more than a decade of service on the board. Dr Munyaka, a prominent figure in industrial psychology, holds a doctorate from Nelson Mandela University. As a registered Industrial & Organisational Psychologist with the Health Professions Council (HPCSA), she brings over 20 years of inimitable experience in transforming workplace behaviour at individual, team and organisational level across diverse industries. She serves as a Council Member at the University of Cape Town and is the former President of the Society of Industrial and Organisational Psychology South Africa (SIOPSA). Additionally, she is an alumnus of Citizen Leader Lab. Throughout her illustrious career, Dr Munyaka has facilitated transformative engagements in leading South African organisations. Her expertise has been pivotal in guiding these institutions through significant cultural changes and renewal processes. Her innovative strategies have consistently supported leadership teams in maintaining focus and productivity during challenging times, enhancing the mental, emotional and physical well-being of their staff. Dr Munyaka’s impact extends to facilitating diversity and transformation dialogues, highlighting her exceptional skills in conflict management and change facilitation. Furthermore, she has been instrumental in supporting leadership teams in their strategic goals and has aided schools across South Africa in adapting to global changes, ensuring they remain agile and relevant. Dr Munyaka’s expertise in positive psychology helps foster essential elements for optimal organisational performance, such as psychological capital, climate and team commitment. Her talent management skills have earned long-term support from corporate and public sector clients. Citizen Leader Lab is confident that under Dr Munyaka’s leadership, the organisation will continue to thrive and make significant strides in contributing to transformation and leadership development in identified sectors in South Africa. For more information, please contact Dorcas Dube-Londt: dorcas@citizenleaderlab.org
Swiss Funder Visits Reitvallei Primary for a Celebration of South African Culture
Swiss Funder Visits Reitvallei Primary for a Celebration of South African Culture Reitvallei Primary School in Mogale City, Krugersdorp, welcomed Magdalena Lamprecht-Wallhoff, Chairperson of the Swiss-based Gottlieb Naef Foundation, during her first-ever visit to South Africa in October. Joined by Citizen Leader Lab team members, this visit was a special moment for the school, which serves 1,558 learners under the inspiring leadership of Principal Keitumetse Sephiri. Despite the school’s humble infrastructure—comprised entirely of container classrooms—the spirit of community and pride was evident as the staff, School Management Team (SMT), School Governing Body (SGB), parents and learners came together for an unforgettable celebration. They shared South Africa’s rich cultural heritage through vibrant performances of traditional songs, dance and poetry. Programme director for the day, Nombuyiselo Mbuyeleni, opened the celebration with a heartfelt message: “We welcome our special guest from Switzerland and team members from Citizen Leader Lab to our school today. This visit is indeed testament to our motto: Reitvallei Primary is the best school under the sun.” Principal Keitumetse Sephiri, an alumnus of Citizen Leader, also expressed her deep gratitude: “On behalf of our SMT, SGB and school community, I express a heartfelt welcome to all our guests. We feel honoured to host you. Your presence makes us feel like we do matter.” She added: “Our humble school structure is not a representation of our humanity, kindness and confidence in our learners. It is an indication of our perseverance, diversity and inclusivity.” The Gottlieb Naef Foundation, inspired by the legacy of its namesake—a Swiss entrepreneur and patron of the arts—is dedicated to funding education programmes around the world. Gottlieb Naef, who grew up in rural Switzerland during the 1930s and 1940s, understood the importance of education in creating opportunities. His legacy lives on through the foundation’s new partnership with Citizen Leader Lab, which will enable more South African schools like Reitvallei to benefit from leadership development. Addressing the learners, Lamprecht-Wallhoff expressed her admiration for the leadership she saw in Principal Sephiri. “When I see what your principal is doing for you through her leadership, I see a remarkable leader who is creating a leader in each and every one of you. We are all coming from different places, but we are still lifting one another up,” she said acknowledging the foundation’s belief in the power of education to transform lives. Jansie Rautenbach, Citizen Leader Lab’s Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the significance of leadership development in under-resourced schools. “At Citizen Leader Lab, we know that 95% of our learners rely on public schooling. Schools in under-resourced areas are particularly challenged. This is why we continue to work with dedicated school principals like Keitumetse, so that they can create schools where teachers can teach, learners can learn – thus creating a better future for all.” This visit was not just a celebration—it was an affirmation of what strong, conscious leadership can achieve, regardless of the formidable challenges many of our schools face. In Principal Sephiri’s words: “We thank Citizen Leader Lab for consistently and continuously awakening conscious leadership across the country.” In Visuals Under Sephiri’s leadership, Reitvallei Primary has flourished, not just academically but as a beacon of hope and resilience in the community Leading with passion and purpose, Principal Keitumetse Sephiri inspires Sephiri is particularly devoted to the school’s special needs learners, whom she fondly refers to as “The Special Stars”. ‘’All children can learn irrespective of what limitations they may have,’’ she steadfastly believes. A young voice honours King Shaka’s legacy through praise poetry Celebrating Sepedi culture with rhythm and the pulse of tradition Colourful and energetic: Xitsonga dancers bring their heritage to life Honouring the legacy of Setswana culture through graceful movements Amapiano dancers unleash the vibe Amapiano, a South African music genre taken from the Nguni language word for “pianos”, is a sub-genre of kwaito and house music that emerged in South Africa in the mid-2010s Indian dance captivates with every step Harmonious voices: The award-winning Reitvallei choir hits all the high notes Sport champions: Reitvallei’s athletes excel regionally and nationally Rooted in community and growth: Reitvallei’s veggie garden flourishes, supplementing the school’s nutrition programme provided by the government FROM LEFT: Magdalena Lamprecht-Wallhoff and Citizen Leader Lab team members (Calvin Baloyi, Shane Perrier and Jansie Rautenbach) with Reitvalllei’s cooks who nourish all 1,558 learners on a daily basis
