Nyiko Nketane

HC candidate 

Should my application be successful, I believe it would be my responsibility firstly, to ensure that I uphold the values of the house through my dedication to my portfolios and more importantly, the members of the house.

My most important mandate would be to strive to make Pieke a community where all people regardless of their demographics feel welcome, acknowledged and have a voice within the house without a fear of being marginalised.

I would like to introduce a culture that encourages a holistic development of our members throughout the time they are our affiliates. This would mean pursuing the highest possible academic results, providing a social network for individuals as well as platforms for personal development such as physical and mental well-being.

The following can be used as a framework:

• Study support groups for people regardless of year group.

• Sport and exercise buddies, this can also include gaming.

• Social events for networking and entertainment

• Personal development workshops

Secondly, it would be to educate our members on the various issues that we face as a society and the Stellenbosch Community, as well as, adequately equip them in order to confront and challenge these issues.

My HC term:

I believe it’s always better to focus on fewer things and do them to the best of your abilities in order to obtain the best possible result as opposed to spreading yourself too widely and not being able to meet what you had initially set out to do. My plan is to open myself up to new opportunities for personal growth and be able to implement what I have learned and re-invest into Pieke.

Preferred portfolios:

Critical engagement

1st Years guardian

Leadership development

Cluster

Servant Leadership

Strengths and weaknesses

I’m a team player by nature. I’d like to think I am quite an intentional individual and try my best to accommodate people when they need it. I think leaders should listen more than they talk- something I think I do a good job at. I insist on punctuality and I’m organised.

I give 100% to things that I’m passionate about but struggle to do the same with things I’m not which could be problematic in certain situations. It’s not easy to earn my trust. I don’t delegate well because I feel something will be done better if it’s under my control.

What I would change or improve from previous leadership structures

The first would be to Increase the visibility of the first year committee and expose them to future leadership role and opportunities. Personally, I do not see a need for a second year’s committee anymore due to the minuscule role they have played in the last 2/3 years. I feel like the mentors always end up doing their work anyway. There are also portfolios which I believe have been neglected and as a result have not been conducive. Two options would be either to eliminate the portfolio or replace it with a portfolio which is more suitable/relevant for our house.