Awakening the Leader Within: Why Values-Based Leadership Is Vital for South Africa’s Schools
Posted / 08 May 2025
South African educators are facing unprecedented challenges. According to a 2023 report by the South African Council for Educators (SACE), nearly half of all teachers are considering leaving the profession due to high stress levels and overwhelming workloads. In the Western Cape, this pressure has been exacerbated by the loss of over 2,400 teaching posts last year, resulting in overcrowded classrooms and increased demands on remaining staff. These conditions not only affect educators’ wellbeing but also strain relationships within schools at a time when collaboration is crucial.
At Columba Leadership, our purpose is to awaken the leader within through a values-based leadership approach. We understand that amidst these challenges, fostering self-leadership and strong, values-driven relationships and supporting well-being is essential to creating resilient and effective school communities.
Our recent work with Fisantekraal High School exemplifies this approach. Through an Educator Team Building workshop, we provided educators with a space to reconnect and strengthen their relationships. Grounded in Columba’s six core values—awareness, focus, creativity, integrity, perseverance, and service—participants were encouraged to see themselves and each other as leaders capable of driving positive change. This shift in perspective is vital for sustaining healthy team dynamics and improving the teaching and learning environment.
Our approach focuses not only on building relationships and strengthening wellbeing but also on ensuring that learner leaders are equipped to support positive engagement and discipline within their schools. By nurturing leadership at every level, we help create school environments where respect, responsibility, and collaboration flourish.
Columba Leadership has a proven track record spanning over 15 years, having worked with more than 12,600 youth and adults across 315 schools in economically disadvantaged areas of South Africa. Our values-based programmes have consistently contributed to improved school cultures, enhanced learner engagement, and better academic outcomes. By awakening the leader within both educators and learners, we build capacity for sustained, positive transformation.
In a context where educator burnout and systemic challenges threaten the quality of education, Columba’s values-based leadership approach offers a pathway to resilience and renewal. By focusing on self-leadership and fostering collaborative, values-centred teams, we help schools create environments where both educators and learners can thrive.