Scottsdene High School pupil Kia Batties has been elected as the new Representative Council of Learners (RCL) chairperson for the metro east education district.
Eighteen pupils contested the position in a virtual election process on April 13, but Kia was only badged on July 30 due to the third Covid-19 wave. Only schools with elected RCLs could be part of the election process, Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond told Northern News.
“When I joined Scottsdene High, my teacher Ms Abrahams motivated me to take up leadership skills and positions that are available. She told me she saw a young leader in me,” Kia said.
As chair, she will convene meetings with other student leaders from schools in the district.
“It feels really good to be chairperson. It is challenging at the same time. I say challenging because there are a lot of good leaders in the student leadership structure,” Kia said.
She has a plan to juggle her academics and new leadership position.
Siya Makapela from Bloekombos High is vice chairperson this year.
Kia said that her being a leader from Scottsdene would hopefully inspire young men to put down their guns and take up leadership skills and positions.