Care, against the odds

Care, against the odds How Citizen Leader Lab’s women principals are catalysing care to dismantle injustice Care, as a leadership quality, has long been underestimated: Brushed off as soft, secondary, patronisingly feminine. But women principals in our schools are proving that care is anything but. On International Women’s Day, under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” their stories call for acknowledgement.   Care that disrupts neglect Elizabeth Nakampi Principal Elizabeth Nakampi, a Citizen Leader Lab alumna, inherited Lehwelereng Secondary in 2022, at a time when the Hammanskraal school was struggling with poor mathematics results, substance abuse and absent parents. She could have let these crises define her. Instead, she turned care into disruption. Guided by Citizen Leader Lab’s leadership practices, she listened, consulted and mobilised the school’s stakeholders. Parental involvement jumped from 40% to 70%. Matric pass rates climbed past 90% and substance abuse declined. Beyond academics, Nakampi’s care translated into practical change: A vegetable garden to feed learners, health screenings, a maths hub and clean water from a borehole.   Collective care, collective disruption Matshidiso Thobejane At Hans Kekana Secondary, also in Hammanskraal, Citizen Leader Lab alumna, Principal Matshidiso Thobejane, faced a community scarred by unemployment and HIV/AIDS. Many learners were growing up in child-headed households, and the school’s pass rate had collapsed to 55%. Her disruption was elegant in its simplicity: “How can we improve together?” Using leadership strategies honed through Citizen Leader Lab, teachers volunteered extra hours, parents stepped in and the community rallied. Within two years, the pass rate had soared to 94.6%, demonstrating how care, applied strategically, can transform a school and its community.   Care that restores dignity Nokuthula Sibisi and Mark Fraser-Grant For Nokuthula Sibisi, the late principal of Sogidi Primary in KwaZulu-Natal and a Citizen Leader Lab alumna, care meant refusing to normalise indignity. Her learners were forced to use dangerous pit latrines. Her vision was clear: Eradicate them for good. Leveraging relationships built through Citizen Leader Lab, Sibisi mobilised support to secure safe, dignified sanitation facilities for learners. Her care confronted and disrupted decades of indifference.   Mutual care, mutual disruption Hailey Harper and Dr Rochelle Davis For Dr Rochelle Davids, principal of St Theresa’s RC Primary in Cape Town, care meant learning to set boundaries. Partnered with Standard Bank executive Hailey Harper, she discovered that saying ‘’no’’ was an act of self-respect. Harper, in turn, gained a deeper appreciation for the immense responsibility public school principals carry. Their partnership was built on mutual care: Each offered encouragement and perspective and each experienced transformation. There was care in reciprocity, disrupting traditional mentorship hierarchies.   Disruption that expands Debbie Jephta Having progressed from school principal to circuit manager, Citizen Leader Lab alumna, Debbie Jeptha, now mentors other school principals, propagating a culture of collaborative leadership across schools. Her disruption is systemic: Opposed to hoarding leadership and power, she multiplies it through care.   Justice through care Justice is not abstract. It is embodied in the daily work of women school principals challenging inequity in South Africa’s schools. Justice is when pit latrines are replaced with safe facilities, restoring dignity to learners. Justice is when parents, once disengaged, become active partners in education. Justice is when women leaders, long overlooked, are recognised as the strategic visionaries they are. And it’s care that makes justice tangible. This is the work Citizen Leader Lab has supported since 2010. By partnering with over 2,000 school principals, including nearly 1,000 women school principals across South Africa’s nine provinces, Citizen Leader Lab channels care into leadership and system change. Each partnership between a school principal and business leader impacts more than 25 teachers and 800 learners.   Care, boldly Citizen Leader Lab’s women principals are proving that care can mobilise communities, transform schools and build futures. They show us that when we give time, trust, resources and recognition, we gain justice, dignity and hope. So here’s the challenge this International Women’s Day: Support a world where care is power, claimed unapologetically by women leaders. It’s a radical redefinition of leadership for a just future. 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.

Behind every leader, a partner 

This work moves forward because people choose to back it. Our donors and partners make it possible for us to sustain our programmes, support our facilitators well and remain present in schools and municipalities long enough for real change to take root.  As we move into the next cycle, our focus is on:  Launching 25 leadership cohorts across South Africa  Testing and embedding Strategic AI for Instructional Leaders (SAIL), a programme designed to equip school principals with practical AI skills to strengthen their instructional leadership and school performance  Building longer-term pathways that allow leaders and communities to keep working together to sustain progress beyond a single programme cycle  These priorities are demanding and call for ongoing partnership, rather than one-off contributions.  To partner with us: Shane: Shane@citizenleaderlab.org Nontuli: Nontuli@citizenleaderlab.org Donate: citizenleaderlab.org  We thank you for supporting the vital work of leadership development, especially in contexts where the work is most challenging.

No slow season for leadership 

The first quarter has been busy across Gauteng, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal, with leadership cohorts concluding, new ones launching, and our footprint continuing to expand.  In February, three Leaders for Education cohorts reached the end of their 12-month journey:  Our 22nd and 23rd Tshwane cohorts  Our 58th cohort in Johannesburg  These milestones mark a full year of sustained work by the participating school principals and business leaders, supported closely by our programme facilitators who carry the patient, relational work that turns theory into practice within schools.  The Tshwane cohorts will extend their learning beyond year one by embarking on Leaders for Education Year 2, while principals in KwaZulu-Natal schools move into their third year as part of our three-year pilot. This longer runway allows leaders to navigate complexity over time, testing ideas, adapting practice and embedding change within the realities of their schools.  This quarter also takes us into Badplaas, Mpumalanga, with our first Leaders for Education cohort in the town. At the same time, new cohorts in Polokwane, Lephalale and Durban strengthen our presence in Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal. In Johannesburg, we mark our 60th cohort in the city, focused on schools in the East Rand — a reminder that reaching more schools matters only if each school experiences meaningful change.   In 2024, we expanded into the municipal sector with the launch of our first Leaders for Municipality cohort. In 2026, we will be launching our first cohort in Gauteng, bringing business and municipal leaders into structured partnerships and creating opportunities for shared problem-solving in local government, where leadership pressures are both acute and constant.  This growth inland is mirrored across the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Free State, where Citizen Leader Lab will be launching programmes that bring leaders together.  In the Western Cape, Stellenbosch will host the first School Management Leadership Programme in March, welcoming four schools: Stellenzicht High School, Kylemore Secondary School, Weber Gedenk Primary School and Vlottenburg Primary School. Alongside this, eight schools along the Garden Route, in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, will begin the Leaders for Education Programme, fully funded by the FEM Education Foundation.  Further along the coast, the Eastern Cape will see the programme launch in the Mthatha area and Tabase Village in April, supporting eight schools through the Trevor Noah Foundation’s Khulani Nathi Innovation Fund. In the Free State, April will also bring new cohorts in Wesselsbron and Bothaville, with seven schools in Wesselsbron and one in Bothaville joining the programme. 

The Class of 2025 did more than pass. They chose the future.

The national pass rate may stand at a record 88%, but the headline is ‘’school leadership matters’’  In January, the Department of Basic Education announced the 2025 National Senior Certificate results, reporting a national pass rate of 88%. This number has been used to declare success, signal crisis and frame political messaging.  But on its own, it does not tell the full story.  The Class of 2025 wrote exams in a country where public schooling has to shoulder the heavy burden of inequality every day. They studied amid rising living costs, sporadic power outages and the long shadow of COVID learning losses. Yet they showed resilience, and many passed. This success, however, depends on more than learner determination; it requires strong school leadership.  Citizen Leader Lab partners with school leaders across South Africa to strengthen the kind of leadership that sustains learning in difficult contexts.  ‘’Year after year, we see that school leadership is that unglamorous variable. It’s the daily decisions of leaders that determine whether learners succeed. When leaders are supported, schools function as communities. Leadership doesn’t erase socio-economic challenges, but it channels hope into structure,’’ said Komala Pillay, CEO of Citizen Leader Lab.  That hope sits alongside a hard truth: There is nothing romantic about the work of school leaders in under-resourced communities.  They often negotiate with gangs one day and with district officials the next. They navigate the tension between policy ambition and classroom reality. When they are equipped to lead, not just manage, things can move.  “South Africa loves heroic narratives. This is not that. This is about capable, conscious school leaders building schools that work. And that, in this country, is radical,” Pillay said.  The human side   Just two years ago, Crestway High in Retreat, Cape Town, posted a 35.9% matric pass rate. By 2024 it had climbed to 66%, and now the Class of 2025 has surpassed 80%, achieving 84.5% — a turnaround driven as much by leadership as by student effort.  At the centre of this change is principal Cheryl Jacobs, appointed in November 2023 after more than 30 years at the school and nine years as deputy principal. When she took over, the school had been officially declared as underperforming, and she has spoken openly about how that affected her.  “For a long time, I carried shame about our results,” she said.  Soon after her appointment, Jacobs joined Citizen Leader Lab’s Leaders for Education programme, which she says helped shift her from a victimhood to action mindset. She describes gaining confidence in working with parents and the broader community and stresses the importance of collaboration between staff and partners. She believes the programme has significantly contributed to Crestway’s upward trajectory in results.  “This turnaround comes from my improved leadership, consistency and a community that refused to give up,” Jacobs said.  Support also came from Professor Jonathan Jansen, Distinguished Professor of Education at Stellenbosch University, who offered assistance when Crestway was identified as a struggling school. A long-time supporter of Citizen Leader Lab’s work, he has repeatedly praised Jacobs’ leadership, saying he saw not a failing school but “a school full of potential if given the right leadership and support.”  A comparison of 2024 and 2025 matric results shows that Leaders for Education programme schools in multiple provinces recorded gains.  In Limpopo, programme schools in Lephalale moved from pass rates in the 60–70% range into the high 80s and low 90s, with top performers exceeding 93%. Free State schools in Mangaung, Botshabelo and Parys sustained strong performances, with several achieving pass rates above 90%, including some with 100% pass rates.  KwaZulu-Natal programme schools across Durban, Umlazi, Ntuzuma and Umbumbulu recorded significant year-on-year improvements, with pass rates ranging between 90% and 100%. In Gauteng, schools in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Hammanskraal also posted gains, with a growing number now performing above the 80% benchmark that is often seen as a minimum threshold for strong school performance, particularly in under-resourced contexts.  Overall, many programme schools recorded year-on-year gains, with increasing numbers surpassing both the 80% benchmark and the national average, reflecting the impact of strengthened school leadership.  Citizen Leader Lab will continue its focus on school leadership development.  ‘’We invite business leaders and funders into this work before next year’s headlines, not after them. If we want to change the numbers, we must change the conditions that produce them. School leaders are not peripheral to that task. They are central,’’ Pillay concluded.  

Inside Tshwane North’s Bold Pilot for Collaboration and Change

Inside Tshwane North’s Bold Pilot for Collaboration and Change  South Africa’s education sector has never been short of well-meaning interventions. Government, NPOs and the private sector each bring valuable resources and expertise. Yet too often, these efforts run in parallel, well-intentioned but fragmented, resulting in duplication in some areas and neglect in others.  In Tshwane North this month, a new attempt was made to change that.   The Tshwane North Education District, in partnership with the National Association of Social Change Entities in Education (NASCEE) and Citizen Leader Lab, convened a pilot to explore how district-level coordination might work in practice. The aim was not to add another programme to the pile. Rather, the focus was on testing whether a collaborative model, built on existing initiatives, could be developed and led by the District Partnership Team and eventually replicated in other districts.  The architecture of change  The keynote speakers framed collaboration as both a strategic necessity, and a moral and policy imperative.  As Gauteng Education Chief Director for Tshwane, Paula Galego, reminded participants, collaboration is not an optional extra. It is embedded in South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP) and linked directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4, which commits to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all.  Galego was candid about the gap between the principle and practice of collaboration: “What still doesn’t work is the existence of fragmentation, with organisations competing for resources and visibility. We need to address that.”  This sentiment was echoed by Soso Motloung, Special Programmes Manager at the MTN Foundation, who stressed that while technology and resources are vital, they are less effective without alignment: “When there is collaboration and alignment, using the strength of government, the resources of the private sector and the grassroots insights of NPOs, we can achieve a lot.”  Evidence and gaps  The session combined a celebration of contributions with a candid look at data.  Sandra de Bruyn, Senior Education Specialist and member of the Tshwane North Partnership Team, highlighted the district’s reliance on partnerships to deliver services beyond the state’s immediate funding capacity, from zero-rated e-learning platforms to legal and advisory support for school principals.   De Bruyn also acknowledged the persistent gaps, particularly in infrastructure: “There is a backlog of almost two years. The need for collaboration to close this gap is urgent.”  District Director at the Gauteng Department of Education, Thea Coetser, grounded the discussion in district realities. She noted that while Tshwane North ranks among the top 10 districts nationally, with more than half of its matric learners achieving university exemption, significant challenges remain.  “In the foundation phase (Grades 1–3), substantial work is still needed in literacy and numeracy. Other critical areas include Grade 8 and 9 mathematics, as well as early childhood development, which has now shifted from Social Development to Education. This provides a clearer picture of the district’s needs and highlights where collaboration is most needed.”  For Lungile Zakwe, Chairperson of the NASCEE Board, the pilot’s significance lay in civil society stepping into alignment with government priorities. “Historically, the problem is that civil society’s work has been fragmented and not aligned with government goals. NASCEE exists to close this gap,” she said.  This reflects the growing recognition that while government remains the primary duty-bearer, civil society and business must be complementary actors, not parallel ones. NASCEE’s efforts to build the capacity of its affiliates, Zakwe said, is part of creating a coherent, supportive, quality-assured ecosystem.  Davina Murphy, Data and Analytics Lead at NASCEE, reinforced this with the unveiling of the National Education Directory, a platform mapping school-level needs and profiling organisations equipped to meet them.   “If we describe the education system as a bus,” she said, “then everyone must be pushing in the same direction to move that bus forward.”  Collaboration starts with connection  The practical component of the day was an interactive workshop facilitated by Komala Pillay, CEO of Citizen Leader Lab and NASCEE board member, together with Dr Mariette Myburgh, a Citizen Leader Lab Facilitator. Drawing on Citizen Leader Lab’s leadership development methodology, the session combined constructive dialogue, shared reflection and collaborative problem solving.  Participants wrestled with three questions:  What is needed to increase collaboration? Trust, credibility and an “abundance mindset” were seen as prerequisites. Suggestions included dedicated collaboration roles in organisations, data-driven mapping and expanded networking opportunities.  What first steps are necessary for collaboration? Attendees urged alignment with Tshwane North’s specific pain points, creation of thematic working groups and better impact storytelling.  What commitments can we make? Commitments included nurturing the new connections made at the event, aligning deliberately with district priorities and amplifying outcomes through press and social platforms to shape public narratives.  The day closed with reflections from Pranay Devchand, Chief Education Specialist at the Gauteng Department of Education, who emphasised that this pilot marks the beginning of a longer journey, one that will unfold through steady, incremental progress.  Collaboration is never straightforward. It asks people and institutions, each guided by their own systems, timelines and pressures, to find common ground. Government departments move at the pace of bureaucracy, donors and NPOs at the rhythm of funding cycles and communities at the speed of daily realities. But it ultimately offers the possibility of coherence in a system that often operates in silos.  For now, the story of Tshwane North is still being written — one conversation, one commitment and one act of collaboration at a time.    This article was prepared by Citizen Leader Lab   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. Through 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.   

Citizen Leader Lab 15 Year Timeline

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.      

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.”   

Matric Success: How Leadership Development Improved 2024 Pass Rates

Matric Success: How Leadership Development Improved 2024 Pass Rates The 2024 National Senior Certificate results, released earlier this year, highlighted the success of secondary schools where Citizen Leader Lab played a role in improving matric pass rates  While South Africa’s national matric pass rate for 2024 stood at its highest ever at 87.3%, a number of schools supported by our Leaders for Education programme achieved pass rates surpassing the national average. This underscores the ongoing critical need for leadership-centred programmes to address some of the systemic challenges in education.  The Leaders for Education programme pairs public school principals with business leaders from the private sector in a year-long, immersive leadership development experience. The programme focuses on developing robust school leadership, which research shows is vital for school success. Effective principals play a pivotal role in nurturing and supporting teachers, boosting morale and inspiring motivation and innovation. This creates an environment that is conducive to quality teaching and learning and generates positive changes within the education system.  Success stories on the ground  In Johannesburg, Sandringham High achieved a 93.8% pass rate, reflecting a significant increase of 30,4% from 2023’s pass rate of 63.4%. The school’s principal, Pascal Rikhotso, is currently a participant on the Leaders for Education programme. He believes his own development as a leader has contributed to this vast improvement.  “This journey has allowed me to build a school that values teamwork and encourages inclusivity with the teachers, parents and the community.  By improving my leadership through Citizen Leader Lab, I’ve been able to create an atmosphere where teachers feel holistically supported. As a former science and technology HOD, I know that teacher motivation and morale are the main catalysts for learner success. All this resulted in the teachers, with the help of parents, coming together to provide holiday classes for the matrics.  I can already sense the excitement among learners, parents and teachers about what we can achieve together in 2025.”  Lungisa Secondary in Gqeberha achieved an impressive 99.1% pass rate, far exceeding the national average. Just three years ago, the school’s pass rate stood at a dismal 21%.  Echoing the sentiments of Principal Rikhotso, Principal Thabo Mapena expressed how growing as a leader has helped turn his school around  “I inherited Lungisa when it was unfortunately a non-performing school. But being part of this programme completely changed my perspective on leadership and management, and it has reshaped the entire school.  The biggest change was my willingness to collaborate with educators instead of taking a top-down approach. As soon as I started embracing this approach, I could see the difference. Slowly but surely, I gained the buy-in and support of the teachers.  I believe this is what led to our success: The educators feel supported and heard, so they are willing to go above and beyond for our learners. For example, they organised after-school programmes for the matrics, even though they aren’t paid for it. They are also punctual and enthusiastic to give back.”  Notable improvements in pass rates were also observed at Citizen Leader Lab schools in Lephalale, Limpopo. These include Majadibodu Secondary, which increased its pass rate from 69.2% in 2023 to 92.3%, while Radinong High improved from 66.7% in 2023 to 87.8%. Meanwhile, Dysselsdorp Secondary, located in the Eden and Central Karoo District, achieved a 94.1% pass rate. This district was the top performer in the Western Cape.  CEO of Citizen Leader Lab, Komala Pillay, said: ‘’These achievements have showcased the dedication, leadership and vision of our school principals. It demonstrates that when school principals are equipped with the right tools and support to lead, we do start to see promising results.   Improved matric results don’t just open doors to education and employment for our youth — they uplift entire communities. As we enter the second quarter of 2025, Citizen Leader Lab is looking to business leaders and funders to be part of replicating these successes across South Africa.’’