On the AWSUM couch with Waterstone College’s Head boy: Tlotliso Maleme

Congratulations on being selected as a leader at your school. What are you looking forward to the most during your term as leader? I’m excited to implement the ideas of the prefect body and I believe we can make a change, starting with the grade 8 orientation!

What are your strengths and weaknesses? I’m an over-thinker. Not sure if its a strength or a weakness! Probably a strength. I’m also curious, ambitious and always seeking to grow. I’m a little introverted and quiet and this could be seen as a weakness by some. Another weakness of mine is that I am not very good at sport, which is a tough trait when growing up in a family where most people have some sort of sports award.

Is there anything you would like to change at your school? I have a few ideas I’d like to implement that involve improving some of the systems already in place at our school, like the Code of Conduct. Ideas that I believe will leave a positive mark long after I am gone.

What do you love the most about your school? The same thing for me! Add to that the resources and the facilities and opportunities that the school offers to us, over and above school work, that are not necessarily readily available to everyone. We are very blessed!

Matric is your final year, from an academic point of view, what are you aiming for? I’m always aiming to improve my marks. Even if it’s minimal. So, my goal is to keep improving and not let my average drop.

What will you message of encouragement be for your prefects/co-leaders? You were recognized as leaders, a trait you had before the badge. So when things get rocky, don’t doubt your own abilities, but also remember that you’re not alone; it’s okay to ask for guidance or advice.

Who is your role model? I have several, including my grade controller Mr. Farrand, a good friend of mine, Sizwe, my former head boy, Mulo and the living legend himself, Jacob Collier.

What are your plans after matric in 2023? I have several universities in mind, including WITS and UKZN, where I plan to study Astrophysics, but I’m also really interested in Psychology and Philosophy.

If you could be any superhero, who do you want to be and why? There’s so many! Reed Richards, Black Panther, Kid Flash, Blue Beetle, Batman, Static, Black Lightning, Nightwing, Nightcrawler, Cloak, Kyle Rayner! But if I have to choose, I’ll keep it simple…Spiderman: Miles Morales. Not only does he have the standard spiderman abilities, but he can also camouflage and generate electricity! Easily my favourite web-slinger.

On a regular Saturday, you will find me at…with…On a regular Saturday, you will find me at home with the main character(s) of whichever book I’m reading. This week, it’s Kaladin Stormblessed of The Stormlight Archives.

Who is your Hollywood celeb crush? Danielle Rose Russel…

Pick one:

• Netball, rugby, cricket, or hockey? Hockey

• Cappuccino, hot chocolate, or tea? Uncle Iroh showed me the beauty of drinking tea.

• Braai with friends or takeaways? Braai

• Binge watching series or a live music festival? Live music festival, I’ve always wanted to attend a live rock concert.

• Android or iOS? iOS. Easy.