Against Leadership Odds: A Township School Principal’s Crusade for Social Justice

Abstract

The aim of this qualitative case-study was to explore one Soweto secondary school principal’s social justice leadership strategies which account for the school being perceived as democratically transformed and socially just. This was a follow-up to two bigger qualitative studies of five and three schools, respectively. Data were collected through a series of in-depth semi-structured interviews and observations. Data analysis followed Teschs steps for open coding. Findings suggest that the principal’s personal values and commitment to social justice principles account for his resilience in the face of resistance and systemic barriers. Social justice leadership strategies employed by the principal and the barriers he encounters are outlined. The paper concludes that, notwithstanding barriers, the negative effect of the marginalising conditions that are prevalent in impoverished communities and schools can be minimised through the principal’s social justice leadership.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n4p239