Helen Zille is Premier of the Western Cape, but more than anything she is a woman who possesses phenomenal leadership qualities. She is both a South African citizen and a human rights activist who stands for goodness. And of course she might not be perfect, but no one ever is.When she visited our group, Students for Humanity, on the 8th of May she shared with us what it was like for a non-racist, white woman like her to take up the challenge of becoming a journalist during, then, apartheid-rife South Africa. She says it was not easy because she had to be watchful of the kinds of stories she reported on, so as not to stir up conflict, but because she loved her job she strived for success.

Her sharing with such a beautiful story about her background was very inspiring to the group. We usually see the premier on T.V debating about social issues, often with ANC, and think “She’s fighting for power…”  And today we got the opportunity to see the leader through different eyes, and not through those of the media.

We learnt that being a leader takes enormous courage and perseverance. It was a very powerful message she delivered to the group.

It is unbelievable that an important figure like Premier Helen Zille would use up her time to come and visit a small group like Students for Humanity. Prioritising is an important characteristic of a leader and Premier Helen Zille surely knows how to. This was a once in a life time opportunity and we feel very privileged.

Written by: Busisiwe Mashele