On the 18th January 2010, The Leadership College opened in Manenberg with an inaugural class of 40 leaders. TLC as it is commonly known, is a completely free school where learners receive uniform, stationery, excursions, etc. for free. The school was opened for those learners who are extremely good academically but cannot afford to attend a good school, so these kids slip through the cracks and take over the reigns of the drug and gang lords. When the school started, it was located at a local Mosque, but each year when the school grew, Mrs. Norton had to find an alternative premises. This is when she got permission to lease a premises from the Child Welfare Society in Manenberg. The school is now located in Manenberg so that learners do not have any difficulty in attending school every day. The Leadership College is sponsored by business people who have seen the need for a school of its kind in the area. Manenberg was the area selected for the school, as she come from the area and she knew the difficulties that families face.

Ashra Norton is the founder of the school. She is a resident of Manenberg and she attended the Silverstream Primary and High school. When she completed her schooling career, she applied to university to complete a degree in Pharmaceuticals. However, because she came from a very poor background, her parents did not have the funds to send her to complete her course. At the time the government gave bursaries to ethnic minority students for teaching. She then received a research project, which dealt with gangsterism and drugs, and because she came from Manenberg she went to interview all the leaders of all the gangs. With this, she came to a conclusion these leaders have extreme leadership characteristics, because without the necessary training, they could deal with people and also handle large quantities of money. She then became the Administrator at Islamia College and part of her job description, she introduced a bursary scheme which would allow people from poorer communities to attend a good private school. She then later realized that a good school should be in the poor areas where learners have no difficulty in attending.

Great leaders find strength in a robust system of values. At The Leadership College, they follow ten core values which form the foundation of its programme. Its faculty, guest speakers and mentors embody these values. Students will be expected to uphold these values throughout their time at the College and long after they left our campus.

Find out more: http://theleadershipcollege.co.za

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