South Africa has made significant strides in expanding technical education through curriculum reform, specialised schools and investment in infrastructure. Yet while workshops are upgraded and equipment is modernised, one critical factor often determines whether these investments translate into meaningful learner outcomes: leadership.
Technical schools operate within a uniquely complex environment. School leaders are expected to balance curriculum delivery with practical training, oversee specialised workshops, foster industry partnerships and prepare learners for an evolving world of work. Their role extends beyond school management. They are responsible for creating institutions that respond to the changing demands of the economy while inspiring educators and learners alike.
Recognising this, Kagiso Trust and the Sasol Foundation convened the TECHSENET School Management Team (SMT) Leadership Seminar from 17–19 June 2026. Bringing together principals and senior management teams from Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, the seminar created a platform for school leaders to share experiences, challenge conventional thinking and strengthen leadership practices across South Africa’s technical high schools.
Rather than focusing solely on operational management, the seminar explored the strategic role of leadership in technical education. Discussions centred on managing the complexity of technical programmes, balancing theory with practical learning, instructional leadership, educational technology, resource management and preparing learners for multiple career pathways. Together, these conversations reflected a common understanding: effective technical schools require leaders who are equipped to navigate change and build systems that support long-term learner success.
The seminar was a platform to learn from schools already demonstrating innovation in practice. Delegates visited Katlehong Engineering School of Specialisation and engaged with leadership from Katlehong Engeneering School of Specialisation (KESOS). Hazyview High School was another school that was used as case study, providing practical examples of how strategic leadership, partnerships and a culture of innovation can transform technical schools into thriving centres of learning.
The experiences shared by these schools reinforced an important lesson that technical education succeeds when leadership extends beyond administration. Strong leaders create environments where educators are supported, industry becomes an active partner in learning, technology is embraced and learners are equipped with skills that remain relevant beyond the classroom.
As South Africa continues to strengthen technical and vocational education, investing in leadership development is no longer an optional intervention but a strategic imperative. By convening platforms such as TECHSENET, Kagiso Trust and the Sasol Foundation are helping to build a national community of practice where school leaders learn from one another, share innovative solutions and collectively shape the future of technical education.
The future of technical education will not be defined solely by the infrastructure we build, but by the leaders we empower to bring that infrastructure to life.
Download the seminar presentations:
- TechSENet SMT Seminar Programme [Download]
- Department of Basic Education: Technical Education in South Africa [Download]
- University of Johannesburg: Leadership for the Future of Technical Education [Download]
- Hazyview High School: Grade 12 Performance Review [Download]
* TechSENet — the Technical Schools of Excellence Network — was established in 2015 following a pilot at John Orr Technical High School in Johannesburg. It has since grown into a national initiative spanning 16 schools and five provinces, focused on improving the quality of teaching and learning in technical subjects, modernising school infrastructure and building the partnerships between education and industry that technical education depends on. Learn more on
