At just 17 years old, Westlake learner Diego Cornelius is already emerging as a strong youth voice in his school and community, balancing an impressive list of leadership roles while building a growing youth development initiative aimed at empowering others.

A Grade 12 learner at Norman Henshilwood High School, Diego says his journey began when he was introduced to the Prescient Foundation Scholarship Programme in Grade 7.

Journey

The message he first encountered — “You are Made for More”— has since become a guiding belief in his life.

Growing up in Westlake, he says, shaped both his resilience and his commitment to giving back.

“It showed me the challenges people face, but also the potential that exists in our communities. That inspired me to become part of the solution.”

For Diego, the scholarship was not only financial support, but a turning point that introduced him to mentorship, guidance and the belief that his circumstances would not define his future.

“I’m a Grade 12 learner and the founder of the Raising Leaders of Tomorrow Foundation,” he said.

“A major turning point in my life was receiving a scholarship through the Prescient Foundation. Their support, mentorship and belief in me opened doors that helped shape the leader I am today.”

Challenges

Today, Diego holds multiple leadership positions. He serves as Deputy Chairperson of his school’s Representative Council of Learners (RCL), sits on the School Governing Body, and leads several student platforms, including Head of the Debate Society, President of the Interact Club, Head of the Media Centre Assistants, Director of the Normies Podcast, and Deputy Head of the Christian Union. He has also been selected for the City of Cape Town’s Junior City Council.

Despite these achievements, Diego is clear that leadership is not about titles or recognition. His passion lies in service and impact.

“One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a leader is balancing ambition with impact,” he said.

“Early on, I measured success by numbers — how many people attended an event or how big a project was. But I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about quantity, it’s about quality.”

He explains that real leadership means focusing on transformation rather than attendance.

“I would rather have 10 young people who are serious about change than 100 who don’t apply what they’ve learned. Once I shifted my focus to meaningful impact, I became a more effective leader.”

That mindset inspired him to establish the Raising Leaders of Tomorrow Foundation while still at school.

The idea was born after he hosted a youth talent event following a Prescient Youth Day Challenge win. More than 150 young people attended — far more than expected.

“That experience changed everything for me,” Diego said. “It showed me how many young people just need a chance — to be seen, to be heard, and to realise their potential.”

The foundation focuses on leadership development, mentorship, career exposure and community engagement.

Personal growth

Diego says the most rewarding part is not the scale of projects, but the personal growth he sees in others.

“The impact I’m most proud of is seeing young people grow in confidence and begin to believe in themselves,” he said. “Whether it’s someone leading for the first time or discovering a talent they didn’t know they had, those moments matter most.”

Diego believes South Africa must invest more in youth development, education, entrepreneurship, sports, arts and mentorship.

“There is so much untapped potential,” he said. “Many young people have gifts and dreams that never get the opportunity to grow. That shouldn’t be the reality.”

He also credits mentorship, particularly his relationship with Prescient Foundation mentor Ruan Yacumakis, as key to his growth. “Ruan has taught me the importance of turning dreams into plans. He asks the hard questions and helps me make ideas real,” he said.

Asked what advice he would give his younger self, Diego said: “I would tell him to believe in himself, to know he belongs in every room he enters, and that his background does not determine his future.”

To other young people, his message is simple but firm: “Where you come from doesn’t determine where you’re going. Keep showing up, keep learning, and don’t let your circumstances define your future.”

For Diego, leadership is ultimately about service. And through his work, he hopes to build a generation of young people who believe they are made for more — and act on it.

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