Columba Leadership hosted its annual National Showcase at GIBS Business School in Sandton, bringing together learner-leaders from schools across South Africa to demonstrate the tangible power of values-based youth leadership. The event transformed the room into a hub of inspiration, where young changemakers from Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Kwazulu-Natal, Western Cape presented social impact projects proving that leadership rooted in service and responsibility is reshaping communities right now.
CEO Tracy Hackland opened the proceedings with a rallying call, marking 16 years of youth-powered change. “We are stronger together,” she affirmed, urging a national shift from policy to practice by embedding youth voice at the heart of schools and communities. “The future isn’t just for youth; it’s by youth. And Columba is here to build it with them.”
Schools took centre stage with compelling stories of transformation:
- MH Baloyi Secondary School (Winterveld, Gauteng) addressed overlooked boys’ emotional well-being through safe spaces, mentoring, academic support, and a new computer lab to bridge the digital divide, ultimately winning the showcase.
- Excelsior High School (Belhar, Western Cape) led with kindness in providing meals to day clinic patients, serving meals to impoverished communities, and contributing to building positive relationships and a positive school culture. Grade 11 alumnus Cai Damane also launched an after-school tutoring programme in maths and science, sparking community-wide education upliftment.
- Sithengile Senior Secondary School (Pinetown, KZN) embodied “Let us be Mandela,” raising over R10,000 to provide uniforms for 26 learners and fund a matric farewell, instilling dignity amid poverty.
- Thotagauta Secondary School (Welkom, Free State) turned around from 600 to over 1,000 learners by curbing gang violence and upgrading water infrastructure, with Principal Vusi Ndakana noting, “Since Columba came in, we’ve seen wonders.”
- Vulumzi Senior Secondary School (Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape) drove food security, youth entrepreneurship, recycling, and school upgrades from classroom ideas to real action.
The atmosphere pulsed with courage as learners shared two-minute pitches, followed by audience voting. MH Baloyi Secondary School emerged victorious, celebrated for proving that when boys matter, entire communities thrive. Reflecting on the event, Hackland noted it highlighted how youth engagement fosters identity, agency, and belonging while strengthening schools and communities. “When youth engagement is promoted, our country wins” she added.
This showcase underscores Columba Leadership’s mission: equipping young people with tools, trust, and opportunities to lead now, fostering safer, stronger South Africa.