JOHANNESBURG - It all started with her schoolmates asking why they would vote for her. Now South Africa wants to know where they can vote for Koki.
Koketso ‘Koki’ Bogashu, a matric pupil from Hoërskool Jeugland in Kempton Park, is campaigning to become the school’s 2027 Head Girl.
And instead of the traditional way of convincing her peers to vote for her, Koki unleashed the Gen Z code and took her leadership race to social media.
A now-viral TikTok video posted by her best friend, Lelo, draws inspiration from the iconic introduction of Regina George in Mean Girls (2004), where instead of listing all the reasons why she should be head girl, her classmates sold her.
“We wanted to try something more out there, something that would showcase my flamboyant personality and how hands-on I want to be. Lelo brought up the Mean Girls concept but wanted it to be more thought through and feel natural.
"She directed it and encouraged our schoolmates to be themselves and let loose, and I think that's why the video feels as real as it does," she said.
In the video, one pupil said they took Life Science because Koki took Life Science; another said they became a rugby oak because Koki likes rugby; others said they became dedicated because Koki likes dedicated teachers.
In essence, the video shows why her classmates are already following her, and this has also trickled down to several social media users.
The video has already garnered over a million views, even getting the attention of media personalities like Anele Mdoda and Sizwe Dhlomo.
Major brands also joined in, including MTN and Glamour South Africa, along with an unexpected international co-sign from American rapper and singer Missy Elliott.
This left Koki’s jaw dropped.
“I did not expect the video to reach such heights and gain so much attention. I was shook to see Anele comment on my video and completely star-struck, and when Missy Elliott saw it, I was absolutely dumbfounded. It left me in complete shock, and it still feels surreal to this day,” she said.
As she watched the edited video, Koki said a few things dawned on her, giving her a new perspective on how her classmates view her.
“I didn’t realise people paid attention to the small things like that. It’s great to know people see the effort I put in.”
But beyond the jokes, the attention and the viral numbers, Koki said she is just a girl who wants to leave a mark.
“Although this is a very fun campaign and I’m enjoying all the support, I would really love to make an impact and leave a legacy for my school, Hoërskool Jeugland.
“This is more than just a campaign to me; it’s the beginning of new things and a way to make an impact in my school. I love my school, and I want everyone in and around my school to see Jeugland the way I do,” she added.