Clarendon High School’s newly announced student leadership for 2025 expect an exciting and challenging year of leadership ahead, as the school sets its sights on maintaining its spot as the department of education BCM District Awards top achieving high school.
Earlier this month, the school announced its 2025 representative council of learners (RCL) executive, and Yonwaba Mahlati, said she was looking forward to serving as CGHS head girl, an honour she believes demonstrates her teachers’ and peers’ trust in her and ability to maintain the school culture that strives for award-winning excellence.
She said: “This role will help me develop strong leadership skills, teaching me to work well under pressure and find balance in all aspects of my life,” she said. “It will prepare me for the demands of life beyond high school, where connecting with people and working under pressure will be even more important.”
Mahlati expects a heavy workload, filled with deadlines, but also the joy of seeing her efforts positively affect her fellow pupils.
“I expect to make some challenging decisions that may not be popular, but necessary, in order to uphold what is moral and just,” she said, adding that the role is not just about leading, but also about learning from and mentoring young leaders.
She hopes to advocate for marginalised groups, promote positive staff-pupil relationships, and leave a legacy that will benefit future generations at Clarendon.
Joining her on the RCL executive is Layla Bijal, the 2025 secretary.
Bijal described the experience as both humbling and overwhelming, largely due to the support she has received from her peers.
“I’m a little nervous for the upcoming year, but I’m ready to take on any challenge,” Bijal said, reflecting on the responsibility she now carries.
As she steps into this leadership role, she is focused on personal growth and fostering a sense of sisterhood within the RCL body.
“I hope to see innovation and dedication from the RCL and a sense of unity that will spread to the rest of the school,” she said. “I want to help better the school and the wellbeing of the Clarendon pupils.”
As Bijal enters her fourth consecutive year on the RCL, she expressed deep gratitude for the guidance of previous executives. “Being on the executive committee in my final year is almost unreal to me,” she said. “The RCL is an empowering platform that fosters appreciation and gives everyone a voice.”
Reflecting on her journey, Bijal emphasised the importance of youth leadership.
“It’s important to understand how powerful the youth can be when standing for a common purpose,” she said.
As the new RCL executive prepares for the year ahead, both Mahlati and Bijal are committed to leaving their mark, advocating for their peers, and making Clarendon High a better place for all its pupils.

