The phenomenon of leading by example is not mere rhetoric for Empangeni High School principal Sizwe Desmond Zwane, it is a lived experience.
This was vividly displayed today (Wednesday, 13 May 2026) as he was conferred with a Doctor of Education qualification during the Faculty of Education’s third graduation ceremony.
Three years in the making, attaining this degree was Dr Zwane’s intentional move to inspire his pupils to never lose their momentum for learning.
“This PhD was very important to inspire the learners that I’m leading, because back at the high school, we’ve adopted a culture of excellence,” he shared. Part of inculcating this culture was emphasising the essence of lifelong learning to his learners. Seeing that some of them have now become doctors, the feeling of practising what he had once preached to them gnawed at him. “It was important for me to also just take a lead,” he admitted.
This newly acquired qualification also marks a significant culmination of a long, fulfilling academic journey for Dr Zwane, who obtained all his qualifications from the University of Zululand (UNIZULU). While the general view is that one should diversify their qualifications, UNIZULU has always been the first choice for Dr Zwane. Therefore, ending his journey where it all had started in 2007 was only natural.
His research study is an analysis of effectiveness on the academic performance of quintile 1-3 T80 schools under King Cetshwayo District. Four major findings emerged in the study: quality of leadership, curriculum management, stakeholder collaboration, and accountability systems shape school effectiveness; servant leadership is effective in under-resourced schools, particularly in quintiles 1-3; the quality of teachers, as measured by their qualifications and subject knowledge, influences learner achievement; and expectations regarding curriculum delivery are particularly evident when principals enthusiastically endorse teachers’ professional growth and monitor curriculum implementation to meet national standards.
Reflecting on his experience of pursuing his PhD, the graduate admitted that it was a demanding period that necessitated a great deal of multitasking. Balancing his roles as a husband, father and principal was tough. There were occasions when he would have to continue drafting his research work while attending school meetings. His resolve has proved that the task was not insurmountable. Having his supportive wife, who was an accountability partner, and great supervisors helped ease the burden.
“My wife, every day, would say, ‘Remember, we must finish this PhD’. She would wake me up at 2am, push me, even remind me of due dates. So, yeah, she contributed a lot and I just want to thank my family and all the officials and my management at school. I also thank my supervisors, Professor Mabusela and Dr Kapueja [who were with me] from master’s level,” he acknowledged.
No stranger to accomplishments, this milestone is one of many for Dr Zwane. Since joining the teaching profession, the celebrated principal has carved a trail of excellence. His string of accolades include being appointed as the first African Principal of Empangeni High School in 2018 and being recognised at the 22nd National Teaching Awards in the Excellence in Secondary School Teaching category. More recently, he was awarded the African Fellowship Award for leadership in the continent.
– Naledi Hlefane
Picture: Xolani Ncube
