WhatsApp Image 2025-05-12 at 09.27.02_c56876d4

Future Leaders: Rise of the Warrior Leader impacting Sinenjongo High School and Beyond

by Uncategorized

In a society where true leadership is urgently needed, the book Rise of the Warrior Leader by Claudio Chistè is not only making waves on international literary platforms but is also shaping young minds in some of South Africa’s most underserved communities—starting right here in the Western Cape.

One of the most notable local examples is Sinenjongo High School in the Joe Slovo township of Milnerton. Learners at the school have had first-hand exposure to the principles and training outlined in Rise of the Warrior Leader, with author Claudio Chistè actively conducting leadership workshops based on the book’s ten dimensions of leadership. These sessions go beyond theory—they empower learners with mental resilience, self-discipline, and purpose-driven leadership, qualities critically needed in environments often plagued by poverty, gang influence, and limited role models.

Chistè, a former naval officer and award-winning leadership author, serves on the Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Milnerton Community Police Forum (CPF), where he oversees the CPF Schools Project. This initiative, closely aligned with Rise of the Warrior Leader, aims to foster leadership skills and strengthen mental resilience among school learners while forging positive relationships between youth and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

“In communities like Joe Slovo, the choice of role models can define the future of a generation,” says Chistè. “Through this initiative, learners begin to see police officers as protectors and leaders, rather than viewing gangsterism as the only path to influence.”

The CPF Schools Project, in partnership with SAPS, plays a vital role in shifting this narrative. The presence of uniformed officers in schools as facilitators of leadership discussions breaks down psychological barriers and nurtures community trust—a key aspect of building a safer, more cohesive society.

The governing body of Sinenjongo High School has also recognised the book’s impact. After witnessing the transformation among learners, the Governing School Body (GSB) formally requested a copy of Rise of the Warrior Leader to keep as a resource, further integrating its principles into the school’s ethos.

Through this deeply local engagement, Rise of the Warrior Leader is not merely a book—it is a catalyst for transformation, shaping a new generation of leaders in the Western Cape. It demonstrates the power of literature to inspire real-world action, bridge community divides, and build lasting resilience in places where it is needed most.

As this movement grows, it continues to echo a powerful message: leadership is not about command—it is about character, compassion and contribution.

Governing School Body (GSB) representative receiving copies of Rise of the Warrior Leader from Claudio Chiste
Well-known Cape Town singer Jarrad Ricketts (Guest Speaker), Constable Mdaka (Schools Project, SAPS representative) and Claudio Chiste (Schools Project, CPF representative)
SS Mendi Dive

Team braves rough waters to place plaque in honour of the SS Mendi

by Uncategorized

A TEAM of six men have braved the rough waters of the English Channel to pay respect to the 616 South African soldiers who lost their lives on the SS Mendi, the World War 1 troopship.

The ship which was on its way to provide support at the Battle of the Somme, was struck early on the morning of February 21, 1917, by an Allied ship, Darro. This collision left a hole in the SS Mendi which caused it to sink.

Of the [646 who died there were] 616 [South Africans] who died in the tragedy,607 were black and 139 were from the Eastern Cape.

History curator at the Amathole Museum in King William’s Town Stephanie Victor said that royalty from Mpondoland, such as Chief Henry Bokleni, were among these men.

Chairman of the England-based branch of the SA Legion of Military Veterans Claudio Chiste said: “A plaque was meant to be placed by the South African and Royal Navy on the 100th anniversary but the waters were far too rough. So on August 8, we [the South African Legion] went to the site which is about 10 nautical miles from the Isle of Wight. “The weather was terrible and the water was choppy. Overall, the 40m dive took about 30 minutes. We laid the plaque on one of the highest
points of the wreck,” said Chiste. The plaque is made of granite and weighs 20kg.

“Because it is so flat and thin it will not get picked up by currents. It is 45cm x 45cm which makes it easy for people who want to dive at the site, to see and read it,” he said. Chiste told the Dispatch that for the past five years the South African Legion has held a parade in Hollybrook, Southampton where most of the soldiers were buried.

“There are many reasons we do these things. One is because we want to give these men the honour they originally deserved, and another is to educate people. We see South Africans tearing down statues because they think the world wars were the white man’s war. This is not true though. Nonwhite South Africans made up about 40% of South Africa’s soldiers in World War 1 and roughly the same in World War 2.

SA and British Veterans ‘Buddy Up’ for Mendi Dedication
The raised awareness of the sinking of the Mendi in the ‘new’ South Africa, has roused a mixture of emotions, particularly amongst Black South Africans. There is a sensitivity to this episode of history, which up until fairly recently,
was not given the attention it deserved, that of ‘forgotten valour’.

As part of the 100th anniversary commemorative events, despite the adverse sea conditions, a memorial dive was successfully completed. Rather fittingly, military veterans from both countries involved ‘buddied’ up as dive partners.

SS Mendi Dive

MAIN PICTURE: From left to right. Claudio Chiste, then England Chairman of South African Legion of Military Veterans and Royal Marine Commando Veteran & UK Clearance Diver (reserves) Mne Derek McMullen. INSET: From left to right. In their respective Legion and Royal Marine uniform.

The mysterious arrival of the SS Mendi Bell

SS Mendi BellOn the 28th August 2018 the UK Prime Minister Theresa May presented President Cyril Ramaphosa with the SS Mendi Bell. This had been anonymously returned and handed back in the year prior. It is believed that the diver who ‘salvaged’ it in the
1970s, may have been suffering a sense of guilt or perhaps fear of being caught out, following the raised awareness of the Mendi during the centenary.

Published in:

 

Podcast: Dr Steve Harris

Podcast: Rise of the Warrior Leader – Mental Toughness to master your mind

by Uncategorized

Dr Steve Harris is a successful business man, an academic, a world champion sportsman, a former mind coach for the Springboks (national rugby team) and World Championship level lifesaving. This background spawned a book on mental toughness, based on the outcomes of his Phd thesis and more importantly goes beyond his scientific truths delving into what leaders in the field and authors claim about mental toughness and how you can master your mind.

Steve’s research indicated that mental toughness can provide you with a unique and sustainable competitive advantage. This is complemented by the fact that neuropsychologists agree we are instinctively competitive.