Ubuntu and school leadership : perspectives of teachers from two schools at Umbumbulu Circuit.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the teachers understanding of the effects of Ubuntu in teacher leadership. Further to this was to understand teachers` views on ways and challenges of Ubuntu leadership implementation. Literature is divided on this as one school of thought sees Ubuntu as having the potential to change school leadership through instilling of trust, role modelling, human dignity and going beyond the call of duty. On the other side, literature does not see Ubuntu responding to the contemporary school challenges like animal abuse, patriarchy, punctuality etc. Semi-structured interviews, questionnaires and document reviews were instruments used to collect the data. Semi-structured interview were the main instrument of data collection. Findings showed that teachers understood Ubuntu be abiding by the Batho Pele policies. Ubuntu is the theory of the study and advocates collectivism, trust, human dignity etc. Findings of this study was that many teachers viewed role modelling as the important principle and trust as the important value in implementation of Ubuntu. They further found that group activities like sports, theatrical acting and music are suitable strategies for Ubuntu leadership at school. Poor parental involvement, drug abuse and school burglaries were the challenges of Ubuntu leadership, however going beyond the call of duty by the teachers and Ubuntu entrepreneur seemed to enhance Ubuntu leadership.