Thavashan Naidoo (13) is the headboy at Brenthurst Primary School. The young teen lives in Benoni. His parents are Tracey and Siva, and he has a 16-year-old sister, Sanusha.
• You are an executive member (headboy) of the Learner Representative Council. Did you ever think you would be in this position?
Yes. I have always aspired and worked towards it, but it was nerve-wracking because the final choice did not lie with me.
• What are some of your duties as headboy?
I have to monitor the other learner representatives and make sure they are doing their job and I assist the teachers whenever there is a function at school.
I am in charge of discipline, and in addition to that, I have to make sure that I am on my duty.
I also have the duty of hoisting the South African flag every morning and taking it down again at the end of the day.
• What school subject do you enjoy the most? Why?
My favourite subject is life orientation because it teaches me how to deal with situations I will encounter in life. We also do lots of practical activities outside and group work.
• Which subject is your least favourite? Why?
Afrikaans, because we do lots of writing and most of the sentences I construct don’t make sense. Plus, for Afrikaans class, I think harder than I do in maths class.
• Do you play sport or participate in extra-mural activities. Do you have any hobbies?
I participate in cricket, soccer and athletics.
One of my hobbies is drawing. I like drawing because it helps me to relax and also to express myself.
• What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to be a quantity surveyor.
• Do you think there is hope for the young people of this country?
Yes I do, if they work hard and remember that the world is their oyster.
• If you had one wish that could come true, what would it be?
It would be for everyone in the world to have a roof over their head. No one should ever be left homeless.
• Where is your dream holiday destination and why?
Mauritius. The water looks awesome and the place looks so peaceful.
• What is your favourite food?
Hamburgers and chicken nuggets.
