Partners for Possibility

PARTNERS FOR POSSIBILITY is the compelling story of what can happen when you think in terms of possibility instead of deficiency. It’s the story of what happens when people say yes.


This is the story of Partners for Possibility, an organisation that has brokered trailblazing partnerships between business leaders and school principals – partnerships that continue to reap astonishing results in the schools they are working in. It’s the story of an organisation dedicated to changing South Africa’s ailing education system, one school at a time.


Partners for Possibility is like no other educational intervention in South Africa because it is simultaneously a movement of active citizenship, a nation-building process, a leadership programme, a corporate social investment and a system that has the power to change the very fabric of South African society.

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This book is a beautiful collection and celebration of many different voices which share one common experience – Partners for Possibility. It is precisely this commonality that provides the inspiration, the power and the authenticity behind the stories. This book will help all of us to rediscover our courage to feel differently and act meaningfully as we impact our own spheres of influence, while at the same time deepening our respect for a leadership movement,PfP, that is so desperately needed in these troublesome and bewildering times.

ꟷ Dr John D Volmink, Chair, Umalusi Council


The story of Partners for Possibility is the original Thuma Mina Story. It’s a story about someone saying, ‘something needs to be fixed, let me do what I can to fix it’. It’s a story of collaboration and leadership development for change anchored in the power of dreams, hope and tenacity. It’s also a story about believing in people and restoring their self-belief and resilience. I’ve been fortunate to encounter some of the leaders who have been shaped by the programme and was inspired by their transformation. Along with others, some of their uplifting stories are featured in this book. A lot of mistakes being made in our institutions are the result of leadership, governance and capacity related challenges. PfP addresses these while contributing to resilient communities. I honour Louise van Rhyn for choosing to light a candle against darkness and call on all who have the resources and skills to join the programme. Through your contributions we’ll bring our beautiful country closer to the constitutional commitment, our National Development Plan objectives and the Sustainable Development Goals.

ꟷ Prof Thuli Madonsela, Social Justice Chair and Law Professor, University of Stellenbosch,Social Justice

M-Plan Founder and former Public Protector