Leading learning through an epidemic : the impact of Covid-19 on education in South Africa

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected education negatively because of forced lockdowns by governments. In South Africa learning came to a halt except for the privileged minority of the population. School leaders were placed in an impossible situation, they had to identify avenues and the means to ensure that learning continued. School leaders had to facilitate the training of staff and care for their pupils during the lockdown from remote locations. The purpose of this qualitative study is to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on leading learning in South African schools. During the investigation we sought to investigate leader preparedness to lead learning and understand the directives or innovations that were put in place to ensure ongoing learning during the pandemic. Semi-structured interviews and a focus group were conducted to gather data. The data was analysed thematically and interpreted revealing themes pertinent to the study. The hope is that this study will provide school leaders with insight and understanding in order to implement and maintain ongoing learning in extreme situations such as a global pandemic.M.Ed. (Educational Leadership and Management