Noorderland’s Paballo Makokga leads with heart and excellence

POLOKWANE – Gr 12 learner Paballo Makokga is the president of Noorderland High School, a role that demands both strong leadership and academic commitment.

Managing her responsibilities while keeping up with her studies has been challenging, but she has found a way to maintain balance.

“At first, it was overwhelming, but I’m managing well,” she told Review.

As president, Makokga sees it as her duty to represent the voices of her fellow learners, ensuring that their concerns are heard and addressed.

“I work closely with my fellow RCL members to make sure everything goes according to plan,” she explained.

Her leadership is matched by her academic excellence. In Gr 11, she was the school’s dux learner with the highest average and was also recognised as the top learner in the district for mathematics, physical science, and life sciences.

Despite these achievements, she admits there is the pressure of maintaining high marks while leading the school.

“I try not to focus too much on the pressure and go at my own pace. I want to achieve my own goals before fulfilling the expectations of others,” she said.

Outside of academics and leadership, Makokga values spending time with friends and family. She also plays club netball, which helps her unwind.

Through her experiences, she said she has realised she is capable of more than she ever thought possible. During her time as president, she hopes to create a positive learning environment where every learner can thrive.

“A friendly school environment where we support each other is also important,” she concluded.