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 School: A Celebration of Education and Community

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 

Anchored in Kindness: The Teacher Who Shaped My Life

Anchored in Kindness: The Teacher Who Shaped My Life By Melanie Weeks For years, I had thrived at St. Joseph’s Primary School, a place where my uncles were teachers and where I felt cocooned in familiarity. Friends and favourite teachers surrounded me. I knew my way around the school and classes were in Afrikaans, the language I mostly spoke at home. When I was nine, my world shifted. My father moved me to Dower Practising School, where my younger brother started school a year earlier. The convenience of both children in the same school was a practical matter for my working-class parents. At my new school, I found myself in an English-speaking classroom, surrounded by classmates whose lives seemed as polished and poised as their middle-class backgrounds. The change was jarring and left me feeling lost. I was reticent, nervous and uncertain. My confidence faltered and I struggled to find my footing. But then, there was Mrs Joan Adams, my class teacher. She had a gift for seeing beyond the surface, recognising that I was not only a bewildered newcomer grappling to adjust, but a young girl in need of guidance. With her kindness and patience, she became my anchor in the stormy seas of change. Just as I began to find my place, tragedy struck. My father passed away. The grief was suffocating, and school became an unbearable place. However, through my grief, Mrs Adams was a beacon of comfort and quiet understanding. It was not long before fate wove our lives together even further; when Mrs Adams faced the loss of her own husband months later. I found myself offering her the comfort she had once so generously given to me. After the first half of the year, the fog of uncertainty began to lift as I secured a third place in academics. Soon after, I blossomed into the top student in my class and a few years later, head girl of the school. That year in Mrs Adams’ classroom, I learned about compassion, responsibility and leadership—values that define me today. Forty-five years later, I returned for a class reunion and visited Mrs Adams, now in her 80s. Over tea, we reminisced about those days, the connection as strong as ever. In life, we often meet people who profoundly influence us, even if we don’t fully grasp their significance until much later. For me, Mrs Adams was such a person. Her unwavering support and profound compassion taught me that no matter how daunting the situation, kindness, perseverance and a dedication to serving others are the key to unlocking possibility. She wasn’t just an excellent teacher; she was my lifeline in a tumultuous time. Those lessons taught by Mrs Adams have become part of who I am today, and I am grateful for the enduring legacy of a remarkable teacher. About Melanie Weeks Weeks is a seasoned leader in non-profit organisation management, serving as Chair of the Board of Directors for multiple organisations, including Citizen Leader Lab. She possesses strong skills in executive development, corporate social responsibility, training delivery, management and business development. Melanie holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Technology from Bond University, Australia, which has further enhanced her capabilities as a business development professional dedicated to making a positive impact in communities.

Breakthrough leadership: Participants Emerge from Leadership Programme More Conscious, Capable and Confident 

Breakthrough leadership: Participants Emerge from Leadership Programme More Conscious, Capable and Confident The Leaders for Education programme brings together public school principals and private sector leaders for an immersive and collaborative leadership experience. Over the past 12 months, school principals have seen their leadership skills improve, while business leaders have gained deep insights into the challenges of South Africa’s public education system. This cohort was the guided by AJ Edge, a facilitator celebrated for her expertise in people development and coaching.   At an intimate event held at Randburg’s Fairway Hotel on 13 September, participants recounted their transformative leadership journeys. They highlighted how the programme has not only refined their personal leadership, but also strengthened their ability to drive change and collaboration in their respective leadership roles.  Here is a glimpse into the insights shared by school principals and business leaders    School principals stepping into their roles self-aware and enthused   ‘”On the programme, I learned how to respectfully interact with different people under different circumstances.   I was that leader who would not even let a parent finish their sentence. Now, I give every parent the space to fully express their concerns to me.” Principal Sibusiso Nkomo, Zola Primary  “I am particularly proud of what I have been able to achieve with my team. After attending the Time to Think workshop, where I learned to really listen to others, I find that we are engaging more, thinking together and understanding each other better as a unit.” Principal Zandile Ntaopane, Ferreira Primary  “I have become so much more confident as a leader.  In the past, I would avoid conflict, just hoping that things would improve without intervention. I have now learnt that problems don’t, unfortunately, solve themselves. I must tackle all conflicts head-on.  The programme also has a huge impact on my School Management Team and School Governing Body. I’m not afraid to ask for their input. I am giving them the forum to think and innovate – and everyone now feels part of the team.” Principal Josephine Shabangu, Bordeaux Primary  “This programme taught me how to converse authentically with the parents of the school.   I implemented the principles of Community Building to shake up the way we held parents’ meetings. We used the power of the invitation to entice the parents and sat in circles to ensure everyone had a voice. The parents loved it. This approach has encouraged the parents to become involved in solving the school’s challenges, from fundraising to the learners’ academic performance.” Principal Mathari Molobo, Meadowlands Primary    Business leaders navigate the intricacies of the education system, while enhancing their own leadership   “The dynamic of equality has been instilled in all my interactions. As a leader who consults and trains people, I want to be able to collaborate with others. This programme has allowed me to shift from merely dishing out advice, to an approach where I am consciously co-creating with the others.” Mabusi Makhaza, HR Consultant to public and private sectors  “I started this programme with the idea that I was going to contribute A,B and C to my principal partner. I soon realised that this experience was so much more than that. It was a reflective journey that I personally gained so much from.” Krishi Gopaul, Human Resources Business Partner at Mediclinic  “This programme went some way in helping me unlearn my negative leadership traits – and yes – I replaced them with some positive ones.  It emboldened me to ask for what I need in my workplace, and to be unapologetic about what is fair and just.   I have become a good manager, a good leader, and most importantly, a good citizen.” Pumla Xonxa, Business Leader, Spar South Rand  “Two things stand out on my Citizen Leader Lab journey: I realised just how challenged schools in South Africa are. School principals are battling at every coalface.   I also appreciate the networking opportunities and meeting people from different industries.” Mike Stuart, MD of National Rubber Matmin  “Leadership that builds a better future for ALL. This really sums up my experience over the past 12 months.  As a young leader, I want to encourage the people I work with to be self-leaders, responsible and accountable for their own decision-making. This programme gave the tools to do this, and I’m finding that this has cultivated mutual respect in my team.” Sarah Sebetola, Sustainability Entrepreneur and Owner of Tshepiso Branding Solutions  Remembering the late Faith Ntando, former principal of Entandweni Primary   “It would be remiss to not mention our fellow colleague and friend, Faith, who passed away this year. While Faith was a participant in this programme, she took every opportunity to be involved in every way she could. She led her school with such vision, passion and calm determination. She was such a beautiful soul.” AJ Edge, Social impact Coach and People Development Consultant 

Overberg Celebrates Impact and Welcomes New Beginnings 

Overberg Celebrates Impact and Welcomes New Beginnings  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.     

Free Virtual Financial Management Series to Empower School Principals and Bursars

Free Virtual Financial Management Series to Empower School Principals and Bursars Citizen Leader Lab is thrilled to partner once again with Deloitte Africa to present the latest instalment of the Financial Management Series designed specifically for school principals and bursars. Following the success of previous sessions, this new session will delve deeper into vital aspects of financial management to enhance school leadership and administration. The free virtual session is set to take place on Tuesday 3 September, starting at 3pm. Deloitte Africa has developed these modules to tackle the complex financial challenges faced by school principals and bursars. Three pertinent topics will be addressed during this session: Budgeting: A well-structured budget is essential for the financial health of schools. The session will cover how to create a detailed financial plan to track and allocate funds effectively. Participants will also learn the importance of continuously monitoring budgets to ensure actual performance aligns with forecasts. Interpreting and Presenting Financial Statements: Accurate financial statements are key to maintaining transparency. The session will guide participants through the preparation and interpretation of financial statements, and how to present these documents clearly to stakeholders. Preparing for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) with Parents: The AGM is a significant event for discussing financial performance and future plans. This session will help principals align financial details with the School Governing Body, communicate financial results to parents and outline future goals and expectations. Dorcas Dube – Londt, Marketing and Communications Manager at Citizen Leader Lab, said: “Budgeting, financial statement analysis and AGM preparation are crucial skills for any school principal and bursar. These competencies not only ensure transparent and strategic management of school finances but also engender trust and encourage engagement with the school community. Citizen Leader Lab’s ongoing collaboration with Deloitte Africa aligns perfectly with our commitment to developing school leaders holistically. By equipping principals and bursars with these essential skills, we are supporting their growth in all dimensions of leadership and enabling them to lead their schools with greater confidence and clarity.’’ RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/2ped53yf or email melissa@citizenleaderlab.org

Public-Private Partnerships to Transform Schools, Businesses and Communities in Polokwane

Public-Private Partnerships to Transform Schools, Businesses and Communities in Polokwane Citizen Leader Lab, a leading Public Benefit Organisation committed to leadership development in both the public and private sectors, launched its Leaders for Education programme in Polokwane, Limpopo, this August. This transformative programme brings together business leaders and public school principals in a unique collaboration to tackle challenges in schools in the region.  The Leaders for Education programme is built on the premise that sustainable improvement in schools require innovative solutions from both the public and private sectors. By pairing experienced business leaders with dedicated school principals, the programme aims to create an immersive and reciprocal exchange of leadership skills and ideas.  Over the next 12 months, selected public school principals and business leaders from Polokwane will embark on a journey designed to address the specific challenges faced by their schools. This collaborative effort is expected to not only positively impact participating school principals, but also their respective teaching and support staff and learners. For the business leaders, this partnership is a platform to refine their leadership skills in a new and challenging environment.  Simon Nkuna, the principal of Kaputla Nkoana Primary in Mashobohleng, Moletji, shared what he hopes to achieve in the next 12 months with Citizen Leader Lab: “Through this programme, I wish to see improvements in our school’s results, particularly in challenging areas like social sciences and mathematics. My goal is to ensure that the knowledge and skills that I gain are effectively shared with my educators and support staff. This, in turn, will help address our current issues and positively impact the wider school community. I am excited about the potential for progress.’’  Thakgatso Morepye, who is currently an Honours student in Psychology and the Client Experience Manager at Mediclinic, Limpopo, described her participation in the Leaders for Education programme as ‘’truly a privilege’’.  She added: ‘’I recognise the need for mental health awareness within our communities, particularly among school principals. These leaders juggle numerous roles, often neglecting their own mental well-being. This programme will not only allow me to support them in managing their responsibilities more effectively, but will also offer me insights into their challenges, contributing to my own growth as a leader. It’s an initiative that promises significant benefits for school principals, business leaders and our communities.’’  Strategic Leadership Development Specialist and Facilitator, Anorth Mabunda, will play a crucial role in the programme, providing expert guidance to nurture the leadership skills of the participants and ensuring the success of their collaborative efforts.  Citizen Leader Lab is committed to expanding the Leaders for Education programme, partnering more public school principals and business leaders to continue addressing educational challenges in Limpopo. To support or participate in future initiatives, please contact Audrey@Citizenleaderlab.org.   

Putting Leadership First: Capitec Foundation’s Decade of Impact

Putting Leadership First: Capitec Foundation’s Decade of Impact Leela Moodley and Mischkha Naicker  As the Capitec Foundation commemorates its 10th-year anniversary, it is an opportune moment to reflect on its journey, achievements and the partnerships formed along the way. Among these partners, Citizen Leader Lab plays a pivotal role in developing school leadership capable of effectively implementing the Foundation’s programmes Origin story Capitec, a leading digital bank in South Africa, serves over 22million retail banking customers. In 2023, the bank earned the titles of Coolest Bank and Coolest Savings and Investment Platform. Despite being a relatively young company, Capitec has experienced remarkable growth since its establishment. Capitec is credited with democratising banking and providing access to previously unbanked and underserved populations in South Africa. Then ten years ago, Capitec made a decision to invest in communities. Carl Fischer, one of the founders and now board chairman of the Capitec Foundation, led the introduction of social impact initiatives at Capitec. “The main objective of Capitec Foundation is to enhance the employability of young people. We chose to concentrate on pure mathematics in secondary schools to ensure that young people possess the necessary skills for careers in high-demand fields,’’ Moodley explains. “We observed that certain skills were becoming scarce. Jobs requiring strong mathematical skills were in high demand, yet we noticed that young people were selecting the wrong subjects at school, limiting their career options,’’ adds Moodley. Although mathematics education is the Foundation’s primary focus, there is an acknowledgement of the broader challenges faced by learners. As the Capitec Foundation’s Head of Operations, Mischkha Naicker, notes: “We aim to empower these children not only in mathematics but also mentally and emotionally, preparing them for life.” Today, the Foundation works in 25 schools, which often lack access to technology and infrastructure to support digital learning. Currently operational in three provinces—KwaZulu Natal, Western Cape and Gauteng—the foundation has established relationships with specific districts within these provinces. Holistic approach: Leadership first Integral to the Foundation’s Theory of Change is the implementation of its holistic Whole School Approach, which encompasses leadership development, teacher empowerment, technological integration and pre-service teacher (tutor) training. “We realised that to have a deeper impact, we needed to work with multiple stakeholders and address various aspects of the education ecosystem,” says Naicker. “Before we bring our mathematics programme into a school, which is quite intensive and requires the co-operation of different role players, we invest in the leadership first. Our Whole School Approach can only be successful when the leadership of a school values the programme and helps to implement it. We believe that investing in one school principal can impact thousands within that school’s community,” Naicker adds. Strategic partnership: Towards lasting impact The partnership between Capitec Foundation and Citizen Leader Lab represents a convergence of shared values and complementary expertise. Naicker highlights the significance of this collaboration: “Behind the success of our programmes is ensuring that we have strong leadership at our schools to drive and complement the programmes effectively. Citizen Leader Lab’s expertise in leadership development aligns seamlessly with Capitec Foundation’s vision.’’ Citizen Leader Lab is a leadership development and support organisation that offers a variety of programmes and workshops that work towards social cohesion and large-scale social change in South Africa. The organisation continues to deepen its impact in the education sector, while broadening its impact to other public sectors. Lamontville High School in Chatsworth, Kwa-Zulu Natal, exemplifies how Capitec Foundation’s targeted interventions and Citizen Leader Lab’s leadership model together empower school leaders, mobilise community involvement in schools, and ultimately improve mathematics education in schools. Supported by the Capitec Foundation, Principal Sbusiso Khanyile participated in Citizen Leader Lab’s renowned school leadership and support programme, Leaders for Education*. This programme has empowered him to significantly shift the school’s culture and bring the Capitec Foundation’s Whole School Approach to fruition. Through the Leaders for Education programme, Khanyile has created a culture of shared responsibility and empowerment among his staff members. Lamontville has also enjoyed increased community support, evident in activities such as school clean-ups and garden maintenance. Over the past two years, the principal has been instrumental in implementing the Foundation’s mathematics programme and related teacher training initiatives. The investment in a technology hub and pre-service teacher-led tutorials has personalised learning experiences and notably boosted learners’ mathematics comprehension and confidence. Learners have reported an improvement in their maths marks and attributed this to the programme: “In Term 1 there was no [online maths platform] and in Term 2 my marks got better. It helped me practice more,’’ shared one Lamontville learner making use of the technology hub established at the school. “As we look to the future, our goal is to achieve a national presence and operate in all provinces with a phased-in approach,” says Moodley. ‘’By teaming up with Citizen Leader Lab, who already have a national footprint and offer a practical, applied leadership model, we’re confident in our ability to expand our reach,’’ Moodley concludes. *Leaders for Education is a school leadership development programme by Citizen Leader Lab. It offers support and development to principals leading schools in under-resourced communities, aiming to transform them into effective environments for quality education. The programme pairs principals with private sector leaders to facilitate capacity building and change initiatives within targeted schools.

From Boardroom to Classroom: Shaping the Future at Execs Back to School 2024

From Boardroom to Classroom: Shaping the Future at Execs Back to School 2024 We are delighted to announce that our fifth annual Execs Back to School event, generously sponsored by Sphere Holdings, will be held in October 2024. This exclusive event brings together business executives and school principals for a day of meaningful dialogue, collaboration and action. Why It Matters As leaders in business, you understand the importance of investing in the future workforce. Execs Back to School offers you a unique opportunity to align corporate goals with social responsibility by addressing challenges in South Africa’s education system. Execs Back to School is not just an event but a catalyst for change. By engaging directly with school principals and communities, you will gain invaluable insights to inform strategic decision-making that can make a real difference in education. What to Expect Prepare for a day filled with collaboration and inspiration. Interact with passionate school leaders, immerse yourself in the realities of education in South Africa and explore innovative ways to create positive change. Event Highlights Engaging in dynamic discussions with school principals and community members Gaining firsthand insights into the challenges facing South African schools Exploring exciting collaboration opportunities between the business and education sectors   Organisers and Previous Participants Speak “Education is a catalyst to success – so tackling the issues we face in education is a no-brainer. It requires the attention of the entire value chain, and it requires a consolidated vision, effort and a focus on partnership. The onus is on us to propel positive change.’’ Komala Pillay, CEO of Citizen Leader Lab ‘’The drop-out rates, literacy rates, coupled with the fact that many of our high schoolers are not choosing mathematics, can fill you with hopelessness. But I believe that the involvement of business in education can change this trajectory. Itumeleng Kgaboesele, CEO of Sphere Holdings ‘’I was inspired by the passion and dedication of the school principals who focus their energy on developing learners to be the next future shapers – despite the many challenges they face.’’ Derain Pillay, General Manager of Honeywell ‘’I had the opportunity to be part of the change we want to see in our schools. To be in service of another leader, to become part of a community.’’ Nonhlanhla Mbele, Financial Manager at Hot Slots Mark your calendars for 16 October 2024. For inquiries on how you can participate or become a media partner, please email info@citizenleaderlab.org