Male and Female Perspectives on Female Principals in South Africa

In South Africa, women are at a high risk of discrimination and opposition to authority when they obtain leadership positions, especially in education (Gouws & Kotze, 2007). The purpose of this study was to inquire into 10 secondary school educators’ perceptions of female principals’ effectiveness in two South African schools. Qualitative case study research methodology included interviews, as well as participant observations and semi-structured interviews. These interviews were conducted within two school settings in South Africa. The participants were teachers, department heads, and deputy principals. When the data were analyzed, it was found that all participants wanted a leader who was transformational and there was a strong preference for those who had feminine traits. This research showed the strong desire for transformational leaders as well as how feminine characteristics are not only starting to become more accepted, but also are now becoming preferred.

Niagara Falls Photo Album, 1906

There are 20 black and white photos within the album and one smaller photo affixed to the front cover. The photos include: the rapids in the Niagara River, the American Falls, Prospect Point, the Suspension Bridge, the Horseshoe Falls, the Maid of the Mist, the Canadian Falls, a peach orchard, a Lake Erie harbour tug in the Erie Canal, barges and the bridge at Middlesport.

Niagara Falls Photo Album, 1906

One 18 cm. x 14 cm. soft cover photograph album. There is a label within the front cover which says “Photographs taken, finished and mounted by W.G. Moss, September 1906. To E.B. Nichols." There are 20 black and white photos within the album and one smaller photo affixed to the front cover. The photos include: the rapids in the Niagara River, the American Falls, Prospect Point, the Suspension Bridge, the Horseshoe Falls, the Maid of the Mist, the Canadian Falls, a peach orchard, a Lake Erie harbour tug in the Erie Canal, barges and the bridge at Middlesport. All of the photos are captioned in ink on the pages that the photos are affixed to and pages are divided by tissue guards.