This recognition highlights the work of Citizen Leader Lab in building leadership in South Africa’s public education system at a time when leadership is crucial for education reform
Citizen Leader Lab has been named the Best Non-Profit Leadership Development Organisation 2025 – South Africa by MEA Markets, as part of its renowned African Excellence Awards platform.
The leadership development organisation stood out for its focus on values-based leadership and partnerships that link the worlds of education and business, bringing private-sector expertise into the public education system. With a particular emphasis on the professional and personal growth of school principals, the organisation helps create the kind of leadership schools need to overcome the deep-rooted challenges facing South Africa’s education system.
Effective leadership is crucial in improving the education ecosystem. According to the National Education Infrastructure Management System (2023), only 55% of South Africa’s school principals have formal leadership qualifications or training, highlighting a significant gap in school leadership. Additionally, the 2024 Annual Report by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) revealed that over 20,000 schools in South Africa lack access to functional libraries, and more than 18,000 schools have no internet access — two essential tools for modern learning. These statistics point to the urgent need for leadership development programmes like those offered by Citizen Leader Lab, which are key to equipping school principals with the skills they need to navigate challenges.
‘’The award is a powerful affirmation of our efforts to collaborate with school principals and business leaders, creating sustainable change that transforms the education system and the communities that rely on it. By equipping school principals with the right skills and support, we are building leadership that drives system-wide improvement,’’ says Dorcas Dube, National Marketing and Communications Manager for Citizen Leader Lab.
All winners of the 2025 African Excellence Awards will be formally announced in July. Now in its eighth year, the awards honour organisations across the continent that are leading progress in education, agriculture, energy and fintech. The award is presented by MEA Markets, a quarterly publication dedicated to tracking key developments across the Middle East and Africa.
About Citizen Leader Lab
Citizen Leader Lab is a leadership development and support Public Benefit 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.
