Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education (Educational Management and Planning) in the Department of Educational Planning & Administration University of Zululand, 1999. / his study was undertaken in order to determine the effectiveness of the administrative and leadership roles of secondary school principals in the Durban South Region, and to investigate the challenges that are encountered by principals as secondary school administrators and leaders. The research highlights a distinction and overlap between administration and leadership. It examines the role of a principal as an administrator and leader in different areas of operation in the school, such as curricula and teaching. With regard to administration, the research investigates the role of a principal in areas such as planning, organizing and control. It points out how the role of a principal as a leader interacts with her/his administrative role. Regarding leadership, the study reviews literature on the principal's role, in areas such as vision building and policy formulation, as well as teaching and curriculum management. The study demonstrates that principalship entails the application of conceptual, technical and human relations skills. It shows how these skills are interwoven in both school administration and leadership. From the review of literature on school administration and leadership, the study provides a comprehensive exposition of what principalship entails, especially as far as curricula management, visioning and strategy formulation, is concerned. Against this background, the study evaluates the role of the principals in secondary schools in the Durban South Region of Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. On the basis of empirical work, the study makes recommendations regarding the role of principals. The recommendations made are a contribution towards transforming schools and leading them in a process which can truly enhance teacher effectiveness and create a culture which can foster the education of learners.