Triston Fortune, a Grade 10 learner at Bergvliet High School, is already making an impact beyond his years. He was recently sworn in as the Western Cape Child Ambassador and Deputy President of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament. He is also a member of the Junior City Council and the chairperson of his school’s Representative Council of Learners (RCL).

Triston comes from Westridge, Mitchells Plain. He attended Westville Primary School, which he described as “like a second home.” 

“I felt at home when I went there. My marks were great, everything. It just felt like a really safe environment.” 

He said attending a non-fee-paying school motivated him because he got to see firsthand the struggles of children who couldn’t afford certain opportunities and how one would need to work towards your dreams. 

Triston spoke about the influence of his mother and great-grandmother. 

“The kids in the area would always come to my mom to speak to her about things they couldn’t really speak to their parents about, because it would create a toxic environment at home,” he explained.

He recalled that some children faced serious challenges, including suicide attempts. 

“Because of her, kids turned away from choosing gangsterism or drugs,

“One of the kids I remember came here, he tried to commit suicide thrice, he would always come to my mom and speak to her and now he has a stable life, that made me realise the importance of having someone who listens and I aspired to do just that,” he said.

He also reflected on the broader challenges facing children in his community. “Many times, there isn’t money to pay for registration, sports equipment, or other opportunities that could keep kids off the streets. Most kids who join gangs, do so because there isn’t much love or support at home,” he explained.

“Through my roles, I hope I can do so much more for these kids. I want to lessen the load on children in the Western Cape. We can’t take every child out of these situations, but we can try to make things better.”

Triston also recalled a personal challenge. He once tried to create a program at his primary school to support children but was turned down due to his age. He said, “It wasn’t my principal’s fault; it was the department’s. That’s something I would like to change one day.”

His mother, Tasna Fortune, recalled Triston’s early curiosity and drive. “He used to watch Parliament things on TV and would ask so many questions about what was happening in our country and with kids. That is part of why he wanted to get involved and make a difference,” she said. 

 “My husband Clint and I could not have been prouder of him. There are no words that can express how we actually feel because he did everything, everything in his power to accomplish everything he did on his own. We saw him work so hard every single day to achieve what he thought was good enough for himself and for everybody out there.”

She recalled Triston’s advanced thinking from a young age. 

“He was always ahead. Reading newspapers at a very young age while everybody else was playing with toys. I would sometimes ask him, ‘Did you really understand what you read?’ But he would bombard you with questions about what was happening in our country and with kids,” she said.

Tasna added, “It’s not just about his title. Tristan wants to accomplish things for the children who need him. He goes the extra mile, even before he’s fully started, trying to dig into everything possible to help kids. That makes my heart swell with joy and pride.”

His 2015 grade R teacher Julia Willemse recalled the moment she heard Triston’s name being mentioned as the child ambassador.

The proud teacher said: “When I heard Triston’s name being called out, I immediately knew this is the same Triston who was in my class in 2015. I am so proud of him, Westville is so proud of him, he was and has always been a diligent, respectful learner who showed leadership qualities from a very young age. Well done Triston.” 

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

Weekend Argus 

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