South Africa’s youth never cease to amaze, and 13-year-old James Capstick-Dale is proving that brilliance knows no age limit—delivering yet another powerful speech six years after his viral debut, inspiring a new generation of leaders.
Western Cape, South Africa (07 October 2024) – South Africa is known for its talent. From arts and culture to leadership and sports, we’ve seen young people rise to incredible heights, making a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.
And, once again, one remarkable young individual is proving that greatness can start at any age.
In 2018, the Good Things Guy proudly featured seven-year-old James Capstick-Dale, who blew us all away with his speech at the prestigious Kerry Capstick-Dale Student Leadership Awards. This moment went viral, capturing the hearts of many as a young boy delivered words filled with insight, maturity, and poise well beyond his years.
The Kerry Capstick-Dale Student Leadership Awards, hosted by the University of Cape Town (UCT), are named in memory of Tamra’s late husband, who was himself a student leader at UCT. These awards are deliberately focused on rewarding and encouraging student leaders who – by virtue of the time they commit to the university community outside the lecture theatre – enrich the life of UCT. They seek to reward students who, through exceptional leadership qualities in student affairs, have shown dedication to the University of Cape Town and have advanced the ideals of the university’s Mission Statement. Such students must display an enlightened approach to life, generosity of spirit, humour and integrity.
The 2018 event was remarkable not only because of the incredible student leaders recognised but also because of James’ unforgettable speech.
Now, six years later, James, at the age of 13, has once again taken to the same stage to deliver another thought-provoking and powerful address. On the 3rd of October 2024, James stood before an esteemed audience, introduced by his younger brother Alexandre (8). This time, he was not speaking as a young man but as someone with a growing legacy of his own.
When asked about the experience, James said, “This was a huge honour for me and although I was a bit nervous at the beginning, I was pleased that I didn’t make too many mistakes. My mum has taught me how to speak in public from an early age, so the first public speech I gave I was six, which I gave on Winston Churchill. The UCT Student Leadership Awards are a prestigious event and I was very pleased to be given the opportunity to speak again. I’ve learnt to speak with practised emphasis and modulation where it’s appropriate and to maintain eye contact with the audience. I was so grateful that so many people came up to me afterwards to congratulate me.”
The essence of his speech? Leadership—what it truly means to lead, especially in a world that often feels divided and polarised. He opened by reflecting on the lessons of historical figures like Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher-king.
“A true leader remains centred, able to navigate chaos with composure. By mastering our thoughts and reactions, we can inspire those around us, fostering an environment of trust and resilience.”
James didn’t stop there. His words wove together the wisdom of other great minds such as Voltaire, who famously said, “It is dangerous to be right in matters where established men are wrong.”
James used this quote to highlight the courage required of leaders to stand firm in their convictions, even when it’s difficult. But his message wasn’t about strength alone; he emphasised the importance of empathy, kindness, and collaboration, qualities that true leadership demands.
His mother, Tamra Capstick-Dale, was understandably proud of both James and Alexandre, who introduced his older brother.
Reflecting on her son’s achievements, Tamra shared, “Jamie did extremely well. He is wise beyond his years, and even though he has only just turned 13, he has a presence for someone so young. I was also proud of his younger brother, Alexandre, who introduced him at the event. All my children have been taught the importance of family and of the values of honour and legacy from a very early age.”
James continues to grow in his leadership and academic journey. He attends the International French School in Cape Town, where he is bilingual, speaking both French and English fluently. He also takes Spanish and Latin with the help of a tutor. Additionally, James works with a critical thinking tutor, further sharpening his ability to engage with complex ideas—a skill that was fully displayed during his recent speech.
The event, hosted by UCT’s Vice-Chancellor, celebrated the talented students who received this year’s Kerry Capstick-Dale Student Leadership Awards: Catherine Dunn, Ubuntu Hlatshwayo, and Naledi Mohale—three outstanding young leaders who are sure to leave their mark.
James concluded his speech with a message of hope and inspiration, quoting one of South Africa’s great leaders, Shaka, who said, “Umuzi uyakhuliswa ngamabutho” or “A village grows because of its warriors.”
This powerful quote echoed the spirit of the evening—one that celebrated the strength, unity, and potential of South Africa’s young people. James urged the audience to lead with self-mastery, empathy, courage, and vision. His words left no doubt that leadership is not about power but about service, a message that resonated deeply with everyone present.
With his impressive academic achievements, leadership abilities, and remarkable oratory skills, James is indeed a rising star. He is a shining example of what the future of South Africa holds—brilliance, resilience, and hope. And while his story is already incredible, something tells us this is just the beginning for James.
We can’t wait to see what he does next.
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