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