Fairness must prevail in prefect selections

IT is with much pride that we witness the appointments of prefects at this time of year in all schools.

One would like to accept that the pupils attained these positions solely on a predetermined scale of merit against which they have been rated and ranked.

Well done to all who now occupy these positions in our local schools.

But I also want to implore all and sundry, especially the decision-makers in each school, to give thought to the kind of message being conveyed to our pupils in cases where unmerited recipients were chosen.

Whether it be through favouritism, nepotism or any other means unbecoming of an educational establishment for such unmerited appointments, I am afraid we have unwittingly installed a threat to the integrity of the whole education system we profess our love for.

Give a thought to those who work diligently and achieve much through perseverance, but are not granted these positions and what it does for their morale, general and mental well-being.

What are we saying to our children? That mediocrity is rewarded above and beyond true achievement? That it is okay to be average and not strive to be the best you can be?

Please make correct choices in the appointment of monitors, prefects and especially the respective heads in each school as these positions of leadership serve as points of emulation in conduct, diligence, consistency and perseverance to the rest of the learners at the school.

Let there be committees established to hold healthy debate prior to the election of such. Let there be selection criteria made known well in advance to all pupils to give everyone an equal chance at attaining these accolades.

Let fairness reign.

THE KING’S KID

Veldenvlei