14-Year-Old James Capstick-Dale Gives a Speech on Followship at UCT

Photo Credit: Delton April

At just 14 years old, James Capstick-Dale captivated the audience at the University of Cape Town during a special awards ceremony by turning the spotlight from leadership to the equally vital role of followship in his inspiring speech.

Cape Town, South Africa (30 October 2025) – No stranger to Good Things Guy, James Capstick-Dale is a teen who continuously inspires us and all who have had the pleasure of experiencing his powerful speeches delivered from as young as the age of seven, at the prestigious University of Cape Town Student Leadership Awards.

Over the years, James’ moving words on leadership have opened the way for the students who received the outstanding Kerry Capstick-Dale Award.

The Kerry Capstick-Dale Student Leadership Awards were put in place after his death by his widow, Tamra, and his friends. It recognises exceptional leadership capability and performance at the University of Cape Town. Usually, two awards are made, but this year, such to the calibre of students, four awards were made for the first time.

Each year, the Awards are made at UCT, and to recognise the event, James made his first speech on the subject of leadership, knowledge, and wisdom, which he delivered in English and French. He was seven at the time.

His second speech was introduced by his younger brother, Alexandre (Alexis for short), which he gave last year, on the subject of leadership, in several different languages.

This year, 14-year-old James decided not to do what was expected and instead focused on the counterpart to leadership – followership.

His mom, Tamra Capstick-Dale, helped write the speech, which he gave in English, using quotes in Greek, French and Latin. He was once again introduced by his brother, Alexis, who is now nine.

James touched on the importance of recognising the quiet and critical part of leadership – that while leaders are important and are often the main focus, without followers, there are no leaders. That without the commitment of others, no vision ever leaves the page, no movement ever takes root, and no goal ever becomes a reality.

For James, public speaking is a skill he enjoys and dedicates much of his time to honing.

“I practice for a public speech every night for about six weeks, to make sure my cadence, tonality and emphasis are correct, and my mother helps me sentence by sentence so I don’t rush through any part of it, which is always a risk under pressure.

“Alexis does incredibly well for a boy who is so shy normally. We’ll have to see if he, or my younger sister Ariane, develop a taste for public speaking.”

The awards ceremony took place on Friday, 17 October and was attended by the University’s leadership, including the Vice Chancellor and the cream of student leadership.

All three children attend the French School in Cape Town. James is on the International Section, which ensures full bilingualism in both English and French, and eases the path to both French and English-speaking universities around the world.

In addition to his normal schooling, James is tutored in extra English, Spanish, Latin, History, and Critical Thinking. He also does Kumon Maths and English. He enjoys watersports and karate, as does Alexis, who also does Kumon Maths and English, and has tutoring in extra English and Spanish.

Watch James’ incredible speech below: