Spark Rivonia’s head girl for 2026 sets the stage for mental health and academic excellence
At 17, Lumka Maepane is not just taking the reins as head girl; she’s on a mission to champion mental health, amplify student voices, and lead Spark Rivonia into a brighter, more inclusive future.
The newly elected Spark Rivonia head girl for 2026, Lumka Maepane (17), is committed to leading with integrity, respect, and empathy.
Her vision is focused on two pillars: mental health awareness and academic excellence. She believes that by combining the school’s Character Quotient (CQ) attributes with Spark’s innovative culture, learners and staff alike can reach new heights.
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“Being a head girl is not about leading above my peers but beside them. I am supported by my head boy and the RCL council, and together, we can implement meaningful progress for our school.”
Her approach emphasises emotional literacy and creating spaces where learners can express themselves freely without judgment.
Lumka plans to introduce team-building exercises, weekly mental health sessions, and open communication channels between learners and teachers to cultivate a supportive and positive school environment.
“I believe encouraging a safe environment for students to be okay with being vulnerable is the best approach to encouraging a positive attitude towards school life and learning.”
Respect is Lumka’s guiding principle. She highlights the importance of respecting teachers, staff, learners, and leadership, believing it lays the foundation for achieving success and fostering open communication.
She added that these values align closely with Spark’s core principles of service, persistence, achievement, responsibility, and kindness, qualities she aims to embody throughout her term.
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One of her priorities is ensuring learners are heard. “Instead of speaking for students, I want to create a platform where they can speak for themselves. I’ll provide guidance and support to strengthen our community, where no voice goes unheard.”
Recognising the pressures learners face, Lumka aims to expand the school’s scholar support programme. She is dedicated to ensuring that every learner knows there is always a helping hand available, including the RCL council.
Her commitment extends beyond her immediate term. She hopes to leave a legacy of cherished memories, meaningful change, and a strengthened school community. “The 2026 RCL aims to unite the Spark community for future generations and inspire other leaders to create positive change,” she said.
For Lumka, leadership is more than a title; it’s about making a tangible difference.
“This role is about standing up for students academically, in extracurricular activities, and in school culture. Leadership is about breaking barriers, learning from experiences, and using those lessons to grow and create a brighter future.”
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