Eastern Cape Department of Education Celebrates School Management Teams graduates 

The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) recently hosted graduation ceremonies across the Province— in Mthatha, Queenstown, Gqeberha, and East London — to celebrate School Management Teams (SMTs) from 12 districts who successfully completed the School Leadership and Management Programme. 

The Eastern Cape Department of Education’s transformative School Management Teams Programme aims to strengthen leadership capacity, accountability, and excellence in schools. It is implemented by the Human Resource Development Unit through the Teacher Development and Learning Institutes Chief Directorate, empowering school leaders to drive improved performance and sustainable success across the education system,in partnership with the Marematlou Institute since 2023. A total of 480 SMT members completed this rigorous and transformative programme, marking a significant milestone in advancing effective school leadership across the Province .

According to Pula Tabata, Director, Mandla Makupula Education Institute, the Department of Education identified a gap in school performance, where lack of management skills negatively affected learning outcomes. In response, the Department, in partnership with the Marematlou Institute, launched an initiative to equip educators with essential leadership and management skills to strengthen School Management Teams (SMTs) and improve overall school performance.

Tabata explained that the School Leadership and Management Training Programme is specifically designed to support the professional growth and development of both new and existing school managers “The programme is part of an ongoing learning journey that helps school managers improve how they lead, teach, and support learning in their schools, it gives them the tools and knowledge they need to make their schools more successful and to maintain high standards of education .The dedication and commitment shown by all participants have truly driven the success of this programme, and as the Department, we are extremely proud of this achievement”,said Tabata.

Ida Naile, Skills Programme Manager at the Marematlou Training Institute, provided an overview of the programme’s structure and content, explaining that it comprises four key modules — Leadership and Management, Mentoring and Coaching, Finance and Governance all aimed at equipping to participants with practical knowledge and skills relevant to their daily school operations.

Naile also expressed appreciation and pride in the collaboration with the Eastern Cape Department of Education, stating that they are honoured to have been entrusted with this important programme by the Department. “We commend every SMT member for their active participation and congratulate them on this significant milestone toward greater professional growth“,said Naile.

School Management Team graduate Xolisa Kweleta, a Grade 10 teacher from Canny Public School, shared her experiences and reflections on the programme. She explained that the journey was not easy, as she and her colleagues faced numerous challenges along the way. “We started as a large group, but over time, some participants could not continue due to the demanding workload”,said Kweleta

Kweleta added that balancing her teaching responsibilities while studying was one of the biggest challenges she faced, requiring strong commitment and time management. However, she expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity, noting that the programme has greatly improved her leadership and management skills. “This programme has empowered us to handle school operations more effectively, support our colleagues better, and make informed decisions that benefit both teachers and learners. It has truly made us stronger leaders”,Kweleta concluded.