Pupil-led awards at Heideveld High recognise class monitors' efforts

Heideveld High School’s Representative Council of Learners (RCL) recently honoured its class monitors with a special awards ceremony, recognising their hard work in maintaining discipline and supporting teachers. 

The initiative, launched at the start of the school term, is the first of its kind at the school and aims to encourage monitors to continue their important role despite the challenges they face.

The RCL hosted assemblies across the grades, where certificates were handed out to monitors who assist with daily registers, manage complaints, and ensure their peers remain in class. 

Often, monitors find themselves in difficult situations – confronting bunking, smoking in corners, or even threats from fellow pupils. "The awards, however, offered them public recognition and a moment of pride," said Shakoor Lucas, RCL chairperson.

Shakoor said the awards were about recognition and unity.

“We wanted to show our classmates that leadership comes in many forms. Class monitors are often overlooked, but they carry a big responsibility. By honouring them, we are building pride, respect, and a stronger school culture led by learners themselves.”

Anesihle Apools, RCL treasurer and a Grade 12 pupil, said the awards were about encouragement. “We wanted to motivate the monitors to keep doing the work they are doing and ignore negative comments from others. Without the monitors, the school won’t function.”

For Grade 11 pupil and RCL public relations officer Amahle Mlungwana, the role comes with pressure. “The challenges we face are pupils bunking, not listening to their teachers. Sometimes what we do is not taken seriously, and we are threatened, but we hope to help pupils and teachers so that learners stay in class and focus on their future.”

Mumtaaz Bassadien, Grade 8 and head of outreach, emphasised the importance of the RCL itself. “RCLs are important because pupils are represented. Education is important and we must take it seriously,” she said.

Shireen Ahmed, a RCL teacher liaison at Heideveld High, said, “RCLs are important as pupils may feel like no one is listening. Their opinions are heard, and they find strength in leadership. Sometimes we focus on academics and sports, but the RCL focuses on the variety within pupils, especially their leadership skills.”

Acting principal Babalo Sohena said the monitors and RCL made a tangible difference in school life. “Bullying and smoking are a big deal, but because of the RCL, we know the hotspots, and they assist us. It makes our job easier. We have an active RCL who supports us very well.”