Head Boy 2024. Like in previous years, Schools That Rock interviewed Head Leaders of High Schools in South Africa. Our next candidate is Mthokozisi Masilela, Head Boy 2024 from Curro Wilgeheuwel in Roodepoort, Gauteng.
Mthokozisi, tell us more about yourself and your leadership.
- I am a God-fearing, enthusiastic, passionate and determined young man. I love telling yokes and laughing at those yokes. I am a leader, not just because of my title, but also due to the respect I have for myself and those around me. Kindness is a value dear to my heart. I also believe in speaking calmly to those around me, be it a fellow prefect, a teacher or a younger student. I address people with respect. I work well with others and I value structure and timeous communication. Overall, it is my duty to serve my fellow peers through the wisdom and guidance that I receive from God.
What are your personal goals for the this year?
- As Head Boy 2024, I aim to achieve stellar academic results in my Grade 12 year, while also balancing extra-mural activities such as public speaking and debating. I would also love to adopt tennis as an extra-mural activity this year.
What are your goals for Curro Academy Wilgeheuwel for your term of service?
- I aim to leave a legacy of dependence on God, kindness, tolerance and respect for another at Curro Academy Wilgeheuwel. I am to lay a foundation for consistency and excellence in areas such as academics and extra-murals, for leaders to come. Finally, it is my goal to continue a culture of unity within the school where the Wilgie Eagles name continues to command respect from our neighboring schools.
Tell us about the biggest challenges you experienced as a learner of your school.
- The biggest challenge I have experienced as a learner of my school would be facing unpopularity due to maintaining my integrity, even when it was not the “cool” thing to do. However, God continues to give me the determination to overcome these challenges and be a person of integrity.
Mthokozisi, what stands out most to you at Curro Academy Wilgeheuwel?
- Our most defining trait as a school is our “Courage Call”. It is a principle of kindness, respect for one another and maintaining your integrity, even in the face of unpopularity. It encourages a practice of introspection, where you assess whether you are maintaining your “Courage Call” and fulfilling the duty you have to your peers and to your school.
Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship?
- I look up to my mother because she is the brightest light in my life. She continues to lift me up if I feel down and encourages me to continue on my road of success. Additionally, I look up to my uncles because they are always there when I need them. A few other role models of mine are Trevor Noah, Sazi Bongwe, Proverb and Barack Obama. It is because of the impact that they had on our country and the world at large.
You’re a kitchen article? What are you and why?
- I liken myself to salt because it brings flavour to a bland dish of food. It is the deciding factor between a 5-starmeal and a 3-star meal that lacks something special. I Matthew 5:13 – 16 Jesus tells us that we should be the “salt of the earth”, affecting our fellow humans with joy for life that comes from the Lord. As salt affects food for flavour, believers in Christ, like myself should affect the world by die way we live and act toward one another.
How would your friends describe you?
- My friends would describe me as a devout Christian, who loves to have fun, and is highly disciplined. They would refer to me more as a brother, than a friend because of the close bond that we share.
What motivates you to achieve your goals?
- A desire to fulfil my God-given purpose drives me to succeed. I know that there is greatness in me, and I continue to work diligently each day, to realize that greatness. There is a fire in me that pushes me to want to do better.
Why would you advise learners to also become part of Curro Academy Wilgeheuwel?
I would advise learners to also become a part of my school because Curro Academy Wilgeheuwel High School is a family. There is no family without love, and you will find plenty of love, encouragement and support within our school. It is an environment that encourages academic, cultural and sporting excellence and ensures that its learners develop holistically.
Who is your favourite teacher and why?
- It’s a really tough question to answer because al my teachers are unique, and I have a wonderful relationship with each of them. Taking this into consideration, Mrs Maseko holds a special place in my heart because she has been my teacher and mom at school, since I was in Grade 9.
What are your future goals?
- I want to be a role for all those who look up to me, be it my younger siblings or my fellow peers. I wish to pioneer a legacy of excellence and consistency.
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