Yo School Magazine had the pleasure of meeting the winner of One Day Leader season 6 Zongeziwe Qeba during a Social Media Training for young people at the University of Johannesburg, Bunting Road Campus.
Tell us about your early life and what was your training like?
I was born and raised in a small village in the North West province called Verdwaal. I commenced school in Dingake Primary School, and then moved to Motlhatswa Primary School. I did my High School in Baitshoki Secondary School. I’m currently completing my BSc Chemical Engineering degree at the university of the Witwatersrand. I’m a founder of a chess foundation called ‘’Mind Your Chess’’, which aims to teach children in primary schools found in villages and rural areas in the North West province how to play chess.
What does it mean to you that you were crowned winner of One Day Leader Season 6?
Being crowned the Winner of One Day Leader 6 to me means I can attain a dream of restoring the dignity of children who reside in villages and rural areas. It means I’ve become a solution to the gap problem of not having adequate role models in rural areas and villages. I always label myself a representative of the majority that seeks to abandon poverty, my village’s hope, and I think my victory has proven that I really am.
What advice do you have for young people who are looking forward to joining the One Day Leader?
My advice to them would be to start leading in their communities first, identify a need an act upon it. Leadership doesn’t require one to be in a position.
What would you like to have achieved by the time your term ends?
I’ve achieved more than I had set for myself. My entire leadership enhanced in different aspects. My communication skills, my perspective about socio-economic issues, and how to lead on the ground. Knowing that I must change people’s lives on daily basis and that there’s thousands of young people looking up to me.
How do you take part in mentoring others?
I mentor different people for different reasons in different ways. For some it is academically, some personally, and some with commencing their projects.
If you had to relate a couple of experiences, what would be the highs and what would be the lows of One Day Leader?
The highs would be completing a task and finding a practical solution for it, winning debates, and gradually growing. And the lows would be handling emotionally intense tasks and ensuring that your fellow contestants comprehend your visions.
How are you doing in terms of personal growth since winning One Day Leader?
One Day Leader assisted me with my personal growth as well, so I’m just continuing with what it planted. I have mentors who mentor me in different aspects.
Twitter: Zongezile_Qeba
Instagram: Zongezile_Qeba
Facebook: Zongezile Qeba
Chemical Engineering Final Year Student
One Day Leader 6 Winner
Founder of Mind Your Chess at the University of the Witwatersrand
