Programme

The SAPA National Conference is South Africa's premier event for leaders in education. Join us 11 – 13 September 2025 at Boardwalk Convention Centre in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

Programme

SAPA Leadership Awards

Awards

Recognising Principals
Who Lead the Change

This year, at the SAPA National Conference, we’re proud to introduce the inaugural SAPA Leadership Awards, sponsored by Standard Bank — celebrating the outstanding principals who are shaping the future of South Africa’s public schools.

Across the country, school leaders are achieving the extraordinary — overcoming challenges, inspiring educators, and transforming learning environments for thousands of learners.

Now it’s time to shine a spotlight on their impact.
We’re calling on you to nominate a principal who embodies vision, innovation, and measurable change, so their story can inspire school leaders nationwide.

Who can be nominated?

Public school principals who have demonstrated: 

  • Visionary leadership and innovation
  • Measurable impact on learner outcomes and school culture
  • Collaboration with communities and stakeholders
  • Commitment to sustainable change

Juding Criteria

 Nominees will be evaluated on their ability to:

  • Demonstrate Visionary Leadership – Clear vision that drives meaningful change in their school.
  • Create Measurable Impact – Evidence of improvement in learner performance, culture, or operations.
  • Innovate & Adapt – Implementation of creative solutions to challenges in education.
  • Engage Community – Collaboration with staff, parents, and community for collective progress.
  • Ensure Sustainability – Initiatives that deliver long-term impact beyond a single project.

Awards and Prizes

Awarded to winning schools.

  • 1st Place – R20,000 cash prize for the school
  • 2nd Place – R15,000 cash prize for the school
  • 3rd Place – R10,000 cash prize for the school

Winners will be celebrated at the SAPA National Conference, featured in SAPA communications, and recognised nationwide as leaders of change.

Why nominate?

Because exceptional leadership deserves recognition — and your nominee’s story could inspire thousands of school leaders across the country.

How to nominate

  • Complete the nomination form.
  • Provide a brief motivation (max 1,000 words) on how the nominee exemplifies “Leading the Change.”
  • Include supporting evidence (photos, results, testimonials).
  • Optional: Add a 2-minute video testimonial from staff or learners
  • Make your nomination by Sunday, 31 August 2025.
Nominate Now