Teaching principals to lead, one school at a time

Retired Fanti Gaqa Primary School principal Sipho Lunyawo is working to strengthen leadership in Mdantsane schools through the Citizen Leader Lab programme. Citizen Leader Lab is a globally recognised nonprofit organisation focused on leadership development and support in SA. Lunyawo joined the initiative after observing a decline in educational standards and the deteriorating condition of buildings at many non-feeschoolsin the Mdantsane area.

While acknowledging that resources matter, he believes leadership is the decisive factor in turningschoolsaround. “A school can have all the resources, but without proper leadership, all that is in vain,” he said. The programme works with 18 principals and provides focused support to nine schools in the area.

Through workshops and mentoring sessions, principals are encouraged to rethink their approach to challenges and develop practical leadership skills. Each principal is paired with a business leader who acts as a mentor. These partners do not necessarily provide financial support, but offer guidance, strategic input and connections that may benefit the school.

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“There is a lot of interest in asking for funds, but if the principal does not know how to lead and how to approach partners, the school will struggle,” Lunyawo said. He said strong leadership helped schools attract meaningful support, while business leaders served as partners who helped principals turn their vision into achievable plans.

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