IT took less than four months for Yellowwood Park Scout, Zhané Potgieter (17) to complete her Springbok Award.
Following in her older brother, Keith’s footsteps, Zhané successfully completed her Springbok award, which involves executing 12 tasks in under four months. She started her tasks in June and was notified on 10 October of her achievement. “Receiving the award was great. When I went for the final interview I was nervous and scared, and when I found out I had achieved the award, I just hugged my mother. It proved that I can do the same things as anyone else can.”
“I sometimes had doubts that I could complete the award, but I kept telling myself I had to do it.” One of her tasks was to cook a three-course meal over an open fire for six people. Zhané invited 25 people who had made a difference in her life. “Growing up was hard. When people are different from you, they judge you. They told me I was not that good and that I was good at other things. It made me sad.”
A former pupil of St Raphael’s School, she was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age. Troop Scouter and mother, Louise Potgieter said: “Before she came to St Raphael’s, the school she went to said she would never amount to anything but only beadwork. We then decided to take her to a psychologist, who suggested we take her to St Raphael’s. That was the best move. Up until then she could not communicate well. Since she started attending St Raphael’s, she started communicating and she grew as a person.”
Zhané is currently at Westridge High School and has two more levels to complete until she finishes school. She started off as a Cub at the age of seven and joined the Scouts at age 11. In her six years of Scouting she has completed a 24-hour cycle, three river-raft races, hiked over 100km and slept in three caves.
“The reason I joined Scouts is because I wanted to see more of nature and to make my life interesting,” said Zhané. She was also awarded Yellowwood Park’s Scout of year. “I’m impressed with myself and what I’ve achieved and shown people I can do better and the same as they can. I was excited and surprised when I was told I won Scout of the year.” Her mother attributes her Scout of the year award to the difference she has made in training people and her patience and persistence in ensuring they have a clear understanding.
She thanks Nigel Walker for helping her throughout the years, her troop and family for their support. She also thanks Ashley Irvine and Model Meats Pinetown for their donations towards achieving her Springbok award.
Deputy principal at St Raphael’s School, Muriel Phillips said the school is proud of Zhane’s accomplishments. Zhané hopes to complete her Rovers award when she turns 18 and to be a hairdresser when she finishes school. She enjoys modelling and swimming.
Zhané is the first girl Springbok Scout at Yellowwood Park.
