Pelican Park High appoints first woman principal with a vision for empowerment

At just 32, Shariefa Clark has made history as Pelican Park High School’s youngest and first woman principal.

Appointed permanently at the start of this school term, she said her mission is to create collaborative initiatives that uplift and upskill the youth.

Reflecting on her journey, Ms Clark said: “On July 1, 2024, I stepped into a new chapter of my career as the permanent deputy principal of Pelican Park High School. Having served two years as acting deputy principal at Beacon Hill High, I was mentored by two remarkable leaders, former principal Gregory Kannemeyer and current principal Melisha Benjamin, who prepared me for the career ahead.”

The transition was far from easy.

“Almost immediately, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) requested that I step in as acting principal after the former principal’s promotion. Coming in as an outsider and as a young female leader meant facing scrutiny, judgment, and the weight of expectations. But with resilience, we reimagined the school’s vision to ‘Embracing change, achieving greatness’.”

Exactly a year later, on July 1, Ms Clark was officially appointed principal.

Her rise has been shaped by humble beginnings.

“I grew up in Cafda, Retreat, a community where role models were scarce and opportunities limited. Yet, I dared to dream. I pursued education with determination, eventually graduating with Honours in Management and Leadership in April this year, even while navigating the challenges of my acting role. This achievement aligned with my practice as a transformational leader, dedicated to ensuring learners receive nothing less than excellence," she said.

Along the way, she has been guided by mentors including Vusumzi Ntlahla, circuit manager; Riyaadh Najaar, former Spine Road High principal; and Ridwan Samodien, former Kannemeyer Primary principal. She continues to develop her leadership through WCED and Cape Teaching and Leadership Institute courses.

Ms Clark is a member of the Progressive Principals Association - a support group to ensure schools deliver quality teaching and learning. For Ms Clark, the heart of Pelican Park High is its people.

“The staff and school governing body embody the spirit of Ubuntu, the belief that I am because we are. Though diverse in backgrounds and beliefs, our unity lies in one mission: giving learners the quality education they deserve.

Ms Clark said: “Pelican Park High School carries within its walls a deep and complex history. Once an Indian school during the apartheid era, it has since transformed into a diverse and vibrant space where learners from all walks of life come together. Today, the school not only embraces change but thrives on it, a testament to resilience, hope, and progress.”

Now a resident of Pelican Park, she said her vision stretches beyond the school gates.

“Poverty does not define us, and neither do our circumstances. Education is the greatest equaliser. Together, schools, families, and communities, we can empower our children to build brighter futures.”

She said as women, "we must claim our rightful place in society and confidently own our space."

“I don’t aspire to be the best principal. What matters to me is building and leading the best team. At Pelican Park High, we have a team of excellence. My focus is on strengthening, uplifting, and empowering them. Together, we achieve more than any one person could, and when we unite, we give our learners the very best, which will always remain at the heart of what we do,” she said.

She invites the community to partner with the school to create initiatives that uplift and empower young people.

“Change begins with one step, one child, one dream at a time,” she said.