Leadership forged through family responsibility and faith

When Yedidya Ziegler matriculated at Cape Town Torah High in 2025, he did so carrying responsibilities far greater than those typically borne by a teenager. As the eldest of five siblings, and amid his parents’ divorce and subsequent remarriages, Ziegler became a pillar of strength for his family, a role that would come to define his leadership at home and at school. 

“Being the eldest taught me responsibility from a very young age,” Ziegler said. “Through the COVID-19 pandemic and divorce, I had to lead my siblings, and we learnt to lean on each other during hard times.” Rather than resenting the weight placed on his shoulders, he reflects on the experience with gratitude. “I believe G-d put me in that situation because that’s how I learnt leadership.” 

That same sense of responsibility carried into his school life, where Ziegler served as student representative and became, in his words, “the older brother for all the boys”. At a time when the departure of senior leaders left a noticeable gap, Ziegler stepped forward. “When I began matric, I had to reassure the boys that it would be an amazing year,” he says. “Along with other leaders, we made it the best year possible.” 

Central to Ziegler’s ability to lead others through uncertainty was his growing spiritual connection. Over his high school years, he developed a deeply personal relationship with G-d, which helped him navigate moments that felt unfair or overwhelming. “Believing that He wants the best for me and puts me in every situation to grow gave me my positive attitude,” he said. It allowed him to support others while remaining grounded. 

Ziegler’s peers and teachers often describe him as a mensch, a label he attributes to the influence of close friends and a value system rooted in empathy. “I believe all people are created in the image of G-d,” he said. “Seeing others as souls just like me creates a real connection.” As a leader, he views his role as helping each individual play their part to the best of their ability, guided by a willingness to learn from others and listen. 

Balancing care for others with self-care hasn’t always been easy, particularly during his time as a madrich for Bnei Akiva. “Looking after kids all day isn’t simple,” he admits. “What I learnt is that I can’t do it alone.” Leaning on close friends, and allowing himself moments to step back, taught him the importance of support and trust. 

Ziegler believes that true charisma lies not in personality alone, but in action. “Knowing what the right thing to do is and actually doing it makes people feel safe,” he says, whether that means including someone who feels left out or standing up for a friend. It’s this quiet moral confidence that makes him a source of reassurance for others. 

Over the course of his matric year, resilience took on a deeper meaning for Ziegler. “What feels good or easy now is usually not the right thing to do,” he reflects. “Resilience is staying disciplined and not falling into excuses.” It’s a lesson he is grateful to have learnt early. 

Looking back, Ziegler says he is most proud not of the accolades, but of how he showed up for others. 

As he moves beyond school, Ziegler hopes to continue growing, learning, and building meaningful relationships.