Good day,
My name is Bongiwe Mayiyane, a third-year law student with a deep-seated passion
for leadership and community building. I am running for the portfolio of RC Prime,
Values and Strategies. My journey at Kestell over the past three years has not only
shaped me as a student but has also fostered in me a profound sense of responsibility
towards our house and its members. I believe that my dedication, coupled with the
skills I've earned during my time here, makes me a fitting candidate to uphold and
promote our house's values of sisterhood, passion, respect, and academic excellence.
As RC Prime, my primary responsibility would be to lead our house in collaboration
with the Residence Head, RCs, and the division of Housing and Residence Affairs. My
role would involve ensuring that the mission, vision, and values of the university, as
well as those of our student accommodation, are realized within our residence. This
includes overseeing that all other RCs fulfil their duties, acting as a crucial link between
residence members and the broader university authorities, and organising meetings
and activities that enhance our residence life programs.
I am committed to fostering a strong sense of community within our house. This
involves creating inclusive activities that encourage all residents to connect and bond,
thereby strengthening our collective spirit. In a space as diverse as ours, open communication is key to managing conflicts and building a harmonious environment.
I aim to facilitate this openness, ensuring that every resident feels heard and valued.
Throughout my time at House Kestell, I have consistently demonstrated my
commitment and dedication through active participation in various subcommittees and
leadership roles. I was involved in the following subcommittees: Prime, Values and
Strategies (2022 and 2023), Vice Prime and Discipline (2023), Academics (2022 and
2023), Culture (2023), and Finance, Maintenance, and Breakages (2022 and 2023).
Additionally, I served as the Deputy in the HRA Subcommittee in 2023 and as a Mentor
for Finance in the same year. Currently, I am serving as RC Finance, Debate Assistant,
and participated in the Eco-Vehicle Program.
These experiences have equipped me with valuable skills such as teamwork,
accountability, problem-solving, decision-making, and transparency. I have had the
privilege of working closely with house leadership, where I learned the importance of
collaboration and effective communication. I am confident that these skills, along with
my deep understanding of our house dynamics, make me well-suited to serve as RC
Prime.
As the guardian of our house values, I am dedicated to ensuring that our values of
sisterhood, passion, respect, and academic excellence are not only upheld but also
celebrated. Sisterhood, to me, means creating a supportive and nurturing environment
where every member feels a sense of belonging. Passion drives my commitment to
enhance our living experience and to lead with enthusiasm and dedication. Respect
is foundational to fostering a space where open communication and understanding
are prioritized. Lastly, academic excellence is a value I hold dearly, and I will strive to
create an environment that supports our academic pursuits while also providing a
balanced and fulfilling residence life.
I am dedicated to making House Kestell a residence where every resident feels a
sense of belonging and empowerment. With your support, we can build a residence
that is not only a place to live but a community where we thrive together. A place to
call home after those long tests at EXR. I am excited about the possibility of serving
as your Prime and working with you to make our residence the best it can be.
1 answer
Here are ten questions based on Bongiwe Mayiyane's manifesto for the position of RC Prime, Values, and Strategies:
What motivated you to run for the position of RC Prime, and what specific changes do you hope to implement during your tenure?
You mentioned your experience in various subcommittees. Can you elaborate on how these experiences have prepared you for the role of RC Prime?
How do you plan to ensure that the values of sisterhood, passion, respect, and academic excellence are upheld and celebrated within your house?
Conflict management and open communication are crucial in a diverse environment. What specific strategies will you implement to foster open communication among residents?
Collaboration with the Residence Head and other RCs is vital. How do you envision your relationship with them contributing to the success of your role?
Community building is a key focus of your manifesto. Can you provide examples of inclusive activities you plan to organize to strengthen connections among residents?
As RC Prime, how will you balance the academic needs of the residents with the social and community-focused initiatives you wish to implement?
You mentioned the importance of transparency in your leadership style. How will you ensure transparency in decision-making and communication with residents?
What role do you think mentorship plays in your vision for House Kestell, and how do you plan to incorporate mentorship into your initiatives?
How do you intend to address any potential challenges or resistance from residents when implementing new programs or changes within the residence?
1 answer