On the AWSUM couch with Westering High School’s  Head Girl: Esihle Mbuthuma

Congratulations on being selected as a leader at your school. What are you looking forward to the most during your term as leader? There are a few things that bring a smile to my face each time I think of the year 2022. One of them has to most definitely be the arrival of the new Grade 8’s. I absolutely cannot wait to meet them and just watch them grow and take their place in our Westering family. I am also looking forward to using this incredible platform to inspire and motivate others to be the best versions of themselves that they can possibly be.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

• Strengths: Some of my strengths include being confident, empathetic, respectful, impactful, a good communicator, and an all-round hard worker.
• Weaknesses: My weaknesses include, getting bored easily and sometimes taking on too much responsibility.

Is there anything you would like to change at your school? No. I do not believe that there are any urgent changes needed. I am, however, along with my co-leaders, planning on building on the solid foundation already laid by previous Heads and Leaders.

What do you love most about your school? I love the sense of unity that exists amongst the learners. It really is refreshing to see and be a part of. I also truly feel like we have the best teachers. They are passionate about what they do and are always willing to lend a helping hand, whether it be on the sports field, the classroom or in our personal lives. Our teachers really do make high school a lot more bearable.

From an academic point, what are you aiming for in your final year? Distinctions in at least six of my subjects especially Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Science.

Message of encouragement for your prefects and co-leaders? A puzzle. This great masterpiece composed of seemingly insignificant individual parts. Each piece moulding the other and helping enhance the overall picture and intention of the puzzle. In the same way a prefect body operates. We are all unique and represent different parts of the puzzle. Individually we may seem insignificant, but when we come together and help mould each other, that is when our true beauty and strength is revealed.

This marks the beginning of a new journey for all of us. It is going to get tough and overwhelming at times, but always remember that you are capable. Each one of you is equipped with the necessary skills to face any challenge that may come your way. You are all strong leaders. Lead with compassion and kindness. Each person should help to mould the other into a beautiful masterpiece. I believe in each and every one of you. Good luck for your final year and don’t forget to enjoy it.

Who is your role model? My mother. Like most people, life has not been easy for her. I have watched her however, tackle each challenge with a smile on her face and never allowing herself to get consumed by situations. She is a walking representation of what a strong woman looks like and she is definitely the epitome of a good role model.

What are your plans after Matric? I want to study Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) at the University of Cape Town.

If you could be a superhero, what do you want to be and why? If we put gender aside, I would want to be Black Panther. I think Black Panther is one of the most revolutionary superheroes of our time. What the movie as a whole has done in terms of cultural representation of Africa is truly admirable.

On a regular Saturday, you will find me at…with… my mother and aunt. I am a home body.

Who is your Hollywood celeb crush? Definitely Michael B Jordan.

Pick one:

• Netball, rugby, cricket, or hockey? Hockey.
• Cappuccino, hot chocolate, or tea? Hot chocolate.
• Braai with friends or takeaways? Takeaways.
• Binge watching series or a live music festival? Binge watching series.
• Android or iOS? iOS.