The School Leadership Advancement Programme took place for Boitekong II Secondary School in Rustenburg from 11 to 13 April 2025. Level 1: Learning to Lead is a milestone in our journey to empower educators with the tools they need to lead with vision, purpose, and compassion.
Accredited by the Education Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) and endorsed by the South African Council for Educators (SACE), this powerful initiative was made possible through the unwavering support of Merafe Resources, whose commitment to education continues to make a profound difference in schools and communities.
At the heart of the programme was a deep focus on leadership and nurturing school management teams as administrators and transformational agents of change. Through dynamic workshops, engaging discussions, and reflective exercises, educators explored what it means to lead with courage, empathy, and resilience.
A standout feature of the programme was the creation of a comprehensive portfolio of evidence, capturing each participant’s learning journey through rigorous assessments. Participants will earn 15 SACE professional development points and 12 SETA credits upon successful completion. These credentials do more than enhance resumes; they reaffirm a commitment to lifelong learning and growth.
The energy throughout the weekend was profound. In every session, you could feel the passion and determination of educators ready to make a difference. Discussions around the Effective Learning Framework sparked new ideas for building inclusive, learner-centred classrooms. Vision-building exercises encouraged participants to imagine a future where every child, regardless of background, has a chance to succeed.
The most moving moment came on the final day, when the session opened with a heartfelt worship song. As the room filled with harmonies, something shifted. Teachers closed their eyes, letting go of burdens and reconnecting with their “why.” It was more than a song. It was a spiritual reminder that leadership begins with love, hope, and purpose.
Facilitator Mr. Maboko Ndlovu beautifully captured the essence of the programme when he said,
“Sometimes you lead, and sometimes you manage, but the key is knowing that the two will always overlap.” He commended the staff of Boitekong II for their perseverance, adding, “We kept pushing you, but you endured and did not give up.”
School Principal, Mr. Matlou, reflecting on his long journey in education and nearing retirement, reminded us why investing in young teachers is vital: “They are dynamic. The system can rely on them. We must support and nurture them. Even learners labelled as underperformers should be encouraged when they try. That effort deserves recognition.”
Circuit Manager, Mrs. Agnes Rasesemola, closed the event with a poignant call to action, “Implementation is the key. My vision is to see the community take ownership in keeping our learners off the streets.”
This programme was more than professional development. It was a revival of purpose. It reminded every participant that schools thrive not just on curriculum and discipline but also on heart, vision, and community. As Boitekong II Secondary steps forward with renewed strength, it stands as a beacon of what’s possible when we invest in bold, ethical, and human-centred leadership.
Together, we are shaping the leaders who will shape our schools and the futures of the children who depend on them.
