COVID-19: LEADING IN CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES – CHALLENGES FOR SCHOOL LEADERS

"Principals are leading in challenging circumstances since the country went in to COVID-19 lockdown. The combination of confusing government decisions and advise, compounded by the lack of district decision making has left many principals to make key decisions on a daily basis and many times not sure if they will have the backing of departmental officials. Principals had to keep schools open, whilst simultaneously creating an online machine, keeping in touch with the most vulnerable learners and families. School leaders are uniquely positioned to have the respect and personal relationships to guide families to support their children at home during these unprecedented challenges. For rural school leaders it is harder, as rural schools serve families across a cast geographic area without high-speed internet. How do rural school leaders lead educators and their schools doing their best in unchartered waters where teachers moving instruction online, distributing food and technology? Using a qualitative research approach, this study aimed to determine the challenges faced by rural school leaders in leading their schools during COVID-19. Five schools in the Nelspruit areas were selected through purposeful sampling. Data collected was organised logically into workable units to facilitate coding. Data was categorised in themes, the findings revealed COVID-19 has had an impact on the principal’s leadership as principals were challenged to decisions relating to feeding learners, organising protective clothing, finances, and online learning."