The president of the 2015 Learner Representative Council (LRC) is set to hand over the reigns at Maphutha Secondary School.
Tshwarelo Maeko said she wants to thank her fellow pupils for their cooperation, respect and for believing in her during her tenure.
“I was selected into the presidential position because pupils saw my optimism and self confidence,” said Maeko.
This free-spirited 16-year-old leader rose through the ranks of student leadership in the school, where she started as an entertainment officer.
Maeko considers herself a born leader and she said she takes after her mother who was also a head girl during her school years.
“Leading people is easy when you have your own leadership style. Mine is coming up with innovative ideas and finding solutions,” said Maeko.
The grade 12 senior pupil said her inspiration to lead in the school comes from Vincent Phala, who was also a president in student leadership.
“He motivated me in such a way that I ended up realising the need to nurture my mind with great thoughts,” she said.
Maeko said some of the challenges she faced in her presidency included difficult students who had a negative spirit and lack of self confidence.
“As a female president presenting positive initiatives, what I proposed would not be taken into consideration by some pessimistic pupils,” said Maeko.
“Motivation doesn’t last. Pupils need to be motivated every day,” said the outgoing LRC president.
She said more female leaders are needed because there are some issues female pupils cannot discuss with males in student leadership.
She said girls must be given a chance to lead. This optimist intends to pursue a career in media after grade 12.
“I will still lead students at tertiary level because for me, leadership is continuous. I started in primary school,” said Maeko.
She said her wish for her community is to see it improve and for the country’s leadership to advance.
She is currently taking a break in leadership to focus on her studies.
“The next president must not try to rectify my mistakes, but must learn from them to be the best leaders possible,” said Maeko.
