Taking some time out from their active lives, Montrose Primary School’s head boy, Nkosinathi Msibi and head girl, Mia Nupen gave us their thoughts on leadership and values.
Nkosinathi:
Q: What does leadership mean to you?
To me leadership means responsibility. It starts with the small things, like waking up in the morning and making my own bed and packing my lunch.
Q: How have you had to lead in 2021, given Covid/online schooling/not being with your friends?
Being elected as head boy was a bit difficult as I had to build relationships with my fellow Learner Councillors because the last time we had close contact was the beginning of last year. So, until the Covid restrictions are eased, I’m making sure that things like the Montrose rules, code of conduct and our values are still being followed.
Q: What would you like to say to our President Cyril Ramaphosa if you were to meet him?
That he is doing an amazing job and he is a good leader but I would ask him what he is doing about reducing poverty, gender-based violence and making sure that crime is reduced. I would also ask him to be part of a discussion with leaders from different schools where we engage with him on different issues, since we are the future. That would be insane.
Mia:
Q: What does leadership mean to you?
To me, leadership means being able to bring the good out in someone and helping them to see the best in themselves. It is also about creating an environment where someone feels comfortable enough to do so.
Q: August is Women’s Month. What would you like to say to all the women in South Africa?
I want to tell all women that you should never let stereotypes or society’s standard of gender stand in the way of what you really want to do, whether that is being the CEO of a huge company, or directing a movie, or winning a gold medal at the Olympics. You can do anything you put your mind to.
Q: What would you like to say to our President Cyril Ramaphosa if you were to meet him?
I would congratulate him on everything that he has done for this country. He has helped so many people and his quick reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic definitely saved the country.
