Mentor Ruan Yacumakis with Diego Cornelius and Meryl Bendie from the Prescient Foundation.
Image: Supplied
At 17, Westlake matric learner Diego Cornelius is balancing school leadership roles with running his own youth development initiative aimed at helping other young people pursue their ambitions.
A Grade 12 learner at Norman Henshilwood High School, Diego serves as deputy chairperson of the school’s Representative Council of Learners, sits on the School Governing Body, and leads several student initiatives including the Debate Society, Interact Club and the Normies Podcast.
He also serves on the City of Cape Town’s Junior City Council.
Diego says his approach to leadership is rooted in creating opportunities for others.
“Leadership is about creating opportunities for others and helping people realise their potential,” he says.
His community initiative, the Raising Leaders of Tomorrow Foundation, has organised a career workshop linking young people with professionals in law, medicine, education and science, and has also run a stationery drive for local primary school learners in Westlake.
Diego’s journey was shaped in part by a scholarship opportunity he received in 2020 through the Prescient Foundation Scholarship Programme. During the application process, he was asked about his ambitions rather than only his marks.
“It wasn't only about my marks,” Diego recalls. “They wanted to know my dreams and what I wanted to do with my life.”
One of those ambitions remains unchanged.
“My biggest dream is to one day become the President of South Africa.”
He says the scholarship, which included educational support, mentorship and practical resources, helped him grow both academically and personally.
“It was the best birthday gift I had ever received,” he says.
A key influence on his development has been mentor Ruan Yacumakis, who was matched with Diego through the foundation’s mentorship programme.
“Ruan has taught me the importance of turning dreams into plans,” says Diego. “He asks the hard questions and helps me think about how to make ideas a reality.”
Yacumakis described Diego as “one of the most purpose-driven young people I have had the privilege of mentoring”.
“He is humble enough to learn from others and diligent about putting in the hard work. What stands out most is his genuine desire to serve others and create opportunities for young people around him. I have no doubt that he will continue to make a meaningful impact wherever life takes him.”
For Diego, Youth Month is about recognising the role young people can play in shaping the country’s future.
“When we come together wanting positive change, we can create real change,” he says. “Young people have more power than they realise.”
He says he hopes to continue giving back to his community through leadership and youth development work.
“The Prescient Foundation has helped me a lot by supporting my education and encouraging me to do my best,” he says. “Because of them, I’ve been able to take on leadership roles and start projects that help others believe in themselves. I’m grateful for everything they’ve done for me and hope to make them proud by giving back to my community.”
His message to other young people is direct:
“You are made for more. Chase your dreams, believe in your potential and never let your circumstances determine where you are going.”