On the AWSUM couch with Elkanah House High School’s Head Girl: Kimberley Chagweta

Congratulations on being selected as a leader at your school. What are you looking forward to the most during your term as leader? One thing I’m definitely looking forward to, is leaving a legacy for my grade and showcasing the creativity within our Prefect Body.

What are your strengths and weaknesses? One of my strengths is that I am a people’s person, which essentially allows me to have the ability of recognizing the energy in my surroundings and changing the mood up into one that is ideal for everyone. Another strength is being able help others whenever they may need it and this is something I focus on every day. With all this comes the downside of it, which are my weaknesses. One of them is I never know my limits. I can take on a lot but not realize the toll it’s taking on me. Being a people’s person, I can burn out before I know I have. This leads to me withdrawing from certain activities.

Is there anything you would like to change at your school? I would want everyone’s experience at my school to be one that they remember. One that is 10 000% fun. Whether it’s more sports days or just random ice lolly handouts, I want their experience to be something they will miss when they leave Elkanah.

What do you love the most about your school? The family that I have grown into. One thing I can say is that we have fun, as a family. The vibe when you walk in is something that I haven’t felt at my previous schools.

Matric is your final year, from an academic point of view, what are you aiming for? I plan on achieving an average that is higher than my term 4 Grade 11 marks and building on subjects I struggle the most with.

What will you message of encouragement be for your prefects/co-leaders? That you can do absolutely anything you want to do, if you put your mind, heart and soul into it. You are a team that is jam-packed with talent and it shocks me every time you come up with ideas. No one can stop us.

Who is your role model? I’d have to say all the women in my family. They radiate strength and perseverance every hour of the day. I am who I am because of the struggles they endured up until this point.

What are your plans after matric in 2023? My plans are to either study ComSci or IT at UCT or any other university. The possibility of this changing is very likely.

If you could be any superhero, who do you want to be and why? My choice would be Professor X from X-men. He has all the powers needed to save the world and I think reading and controlling people’s minds is a bonus.

On a regular Saturday, you will find me at…with… Either in my room sleeping or trying a new restaurant with friends.

Who is your Hollywood celeb crush? Either young Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Alba or Michael b. Jordan

Pick one:

• Netball, rugby, cricket, or hockey? Netball
• Cappuccino, hot chocolate, or tea? Cappuccino in the early hours, but Hot chocolate all the other times
• Braai with friends or takeaways? Braai with friends
• Binge watching series or a live music festival? Live music festival
• Android or iOS? Android. Fighting your storage doesn’t exist with Android