No matter where in the world a company is based, it exists within its community, and the success of one is by some measure linked to the success of the other.
By Peter Andrew, CEO of CCI South Africa
Nowhere is this truer than in the business process outsourcing (BPO sector), where companies draw many of their employees from the surrounding communities using the impact sourcing model of employment. It makes sense, then, that companies must engage openly and productively with those communities for the benefit of all.
Schools are the anchor of communities
We believe that schools are the epicentre of their communities, and that businesses that support these institutions can foster a sense of shared responsibility and community growth.
South Africa’s education system faces significant challenges, from resource shortages to leadership capacity gaps. While policy reforms and government initiatives play a crucial role, the reality is that systemic change requires a broader coalition of stakeholders. Among these, business leaders stand out as essential partners in driving meaningful transformation.
By supporting local schools, businesses such as ours contribute to the wellbeing of the entire community, not just the learners. Investing into local educational institutions with not only financial support, but also resources, shared skills and time, can produce encouraging results for all involved.
Sharing insights to drive change
A school’s success is deeply tied to the effectiveness of its leadership. Research has consistently shown that strong school leadership correlates with improved student performance, better teacher retention, and a more resilient school environment. However, many South African school leaders, particularly in underprivileged areas, face immense pressures with limited training and support.
From the outside it may not seem that school principals and business leaders have that much in common, but in fact, we have similar obligations to different groups. Principals must navigate complex challenges such as managing budgets, dealing with infrastructure deficits, motivating teachers, and ensuring student outcomes – all without the leadership development that we as their corporate counterparts receive.
This is where business leaders can step in to make a real impact. The skills required to lead a thriving business – strategic planning, people management, financial acumen, and resilience – are directly transferable to school leadership. Mentorship between business leaders and school principals is a powerful tool for developing future leaders.
It provides a platform for mutual learning and collaboration, benefiting both mentors and mentees. Through structured mentorship programmes that bridge the gap between school leadership and corporate leadership, business executives can provide invaluable expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership development to strengthen the education sector.
A mutual exchange of knowledge and insight
Mentorship programmes that connect business executives with school principals are not just theoretical exercises. These partnerships create a space for knowledge exchange, leadership development, and problem-solving. As business leaders, we can share best practices in governance, stakeholder engagement, and innovation – skills that can be applied to school management.
Conversely, we also gain fresh perspectives on social impact, community engagement, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Creating sustainable change
For mentorship programmes to be effective, they must be well-structured, intentional, and sustainable. Short-term, ad-hoc interventions rarely lead to lasting impact. Instead, business and education leaders should collaborate through long-term engagements that allow for deep relationship-building, continuous learning, and iterative problem-solving.
There is a benefit to all involved. Businesses that invest in education mentorship align themselves with South Africa’s long-term socio-economic goals. This is particularly true of the BPO industry, where our workforce comes from our communities, and investing in education initiatives is an investment for our future.
Equipping school principals and administrators with the tools they need to lead effectively drives positive change where it is needed. A well-educated workforce not only benefits our companies directly, but it also drives economic growth, reduces inequality, and strengthens national competitiveness.
By contributing to leadership development in schools, companies, particularly those such as ours in the BPO sector, help build the very talent pool we rely on for future growth.
Ubuntu at work
The responsibility of improving South Africa’s education system does not rest solely with the government, or on educators, or on the private sector. South Africa will reap the biggest benefits when we all work in partnership.
We can help build the leadership capacity of schools, ultimately shaping a better future for the country. For us, this commitment forms part of our mission to continue being pioneers in new markets across Africa by investing in people and uplifting communities we operate in.
These partnerships and mentorship programmes are a testament to the power of community engagement and collaboration. Business leaders have the expertise, influence, and resources to make a significant difference. By supporting schools, businesses can contribute to the growth and wellbeing of the entire community.
As we move forward, it is essential to continue fostering these relationships and building a future where businesses and schools work together for the greater good.