Mr. Mncedi Mtengwana is a Principal at Solomon Mahlangu High School in the bustling community of Uitenhage in East London. Even while the town has been overwhelmed by the problems of poverty and substance abuse, Principal Mtengwana works to ensure that the school grounds are a safe space for learners and their educators. Through his leadership approach, which promotes high morale and good discipline, Mr Mtengwana has not only improved the conditions for improved teaching and learning at Solomon Mahlangu High School, but has also identified ways to improve the well-being and pride of the larger community. In the last three years alone, Solomon Mahlangu High School has been awarded numerous prizes and accolades, and has maintained the no.1 position in the district in its matric pass rate. In order to combat substance abuse in the community, Principal Mtengwana championed the school being among the few schools to successfully implement the one social worker, one nurse, and one police officer program to combat drug use and violence, while addressing the psychosocial, medical and safety and security needs of the school community. Principal Mtengwana has played a key role in helping a number of parents develop an agricultural program in which their own vegetables are grown and sold to the school as a supplier and the surrounding communities. As a result, some have built their own companies and have stretched their reach to other schools. ‘To me the term “integrity” is a title for important values such as respect, honesty, humility, forgiveness, and appreciation.’
