Columba Leadership: Nurturing Youth Empowerment and Leadership for South Africa’s Future 

Columba Leadership, a nationally recognised NGO with a 15-year track record, has been announced as a finalist in the Best NGO category at the CSI Legacy Awards. This remarkable achievement highlights the organisation’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and leadership development in South Africa. Founded on a values-based leadership model, Columba has transformed the lives of thousands of young people, equipping them with the confidence and skills needed to lead change in their communities and beyond. 

The organisation, led by CEO Tracy Hackland, operates in government high schools across seven provinces, focusing primarily on under-resourced communities. Through a combination of residential leadership academies and ongoing school-based support, Columba Leadership nurtures leadership qualities such as awareness, creativity, and perseverance among learners and educators alike. These programmes are designed not just to develop individual capabilities but to foster a sense of collective responsibility and community engagement. 

Central to Columba’s impact is its ability to elicit the inherent potential in young people, enabling them to become change agents in their schools and communities. By addressing pressing local issues through social action projects—ranging from tackling bullying to initiating food gardens—participants gain practical experience in problem-solving and collaboration. This hands-on approach ensures that leadership is not just a theoretical concept but a lived reality for the young people involved. 

Columba’s work extends beyond students. Principals and educators are integral to the programme’s success, with residential sessions that focus on self-care, personal development, and strategies for better engaging with learners. This holistic approach ensures that the school environment becomes a fertile ground for nurturing future leaders. Additionally, Columba’s alumni network provides ongoing support for graduates, connecting them with opportunities such as bursaries, internships, and employment. 

The organisation’s track record speaks volumes. Over the past five years, Columba’s schools have achieved a learner retention rate of at least 92%, significantly higher than the national average. Furthermore, more than 65% of Columba alumni pursue further education or training within six months of leaving school. These outcomes highlight the transformative power of leadership education, particularly in communities where young people often face limited opportunities. 

What sets Columba Leadership apart is its deeply humanistic ethos, rooted in the belief that every young person has greatness within them. This ethos is not only inspiring but also practical, guiding the organisation in its mission to activate the potential of South Africa’s youth. By working collaboratively with schools, funders, and other stakeholders, Columba has demonstrated that meaningful change is possible even in the most challenging circumstances. 

The recognition as a finalist in the Best NGO category is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved in Columba’s journey. From its resilient educators and inspired learners to the committed funders and leadership team, the organisation demonstrates what can be achieved when individuals and communities work together for a common purpose. 

As Columba Leadership continues to scale its impact, the focus remains on fostering agency and leadership among young people. The organisation is exploring partnerships with other youth-focused initiatives and seeking to diversify its funding streams to sustain and expand its work. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Columba’s mission will remain relevant and impactful in the years to come. 

The CSI Legacy Awards celebrate excellence in Corporate Social Investment, shining a light on initiatives that drive sustainable change. For Columba Leadership, being a finalist in this prestigious event is not just an honour but also an opportunity to amplify its message: that investing in leadership is investing in a brighter future for South Africa. 

Simphiwe Mtetwa
Simphiwe Mtetwa is South Africa’s leading Corporate Social Responsibility news, media and publishing firm. We create content on social responsibility, helping government, corporates, consultants, NPOs and NGOs to reach their target markets through appropriate, targeted development news.

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