Youth to be involved in council
Pupils from various schools across Ekurhuleni will experience the reality of council on Friday, August 14.
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) will launch a Junior City Council, comprised of 99 Grade 10 and 12 pupils, to deal with issues affecting the residents of Ekurhuleni.
The young councillors will debate issues concerning education, health, social development, sport and recreation, arts and culture, campaigns and fundraising, environment and safety.
Being a microcosm of the actual council, the first sitting of the Junior Council meeting will be led by the junior speaker of council, the deputy speaker, the mayor, deputy mayor, chief whip and PR councillors.
“This is a ground breaking initiative aimed at increasing the level of patriotism, establish and sustain relations between citizens and elected public representatives and to further educate citizens of the avenues available to lodge grievances,” said mayoral spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
“We believe it is through engaging young minds that we can develop and sustain a democratic order, characterized by an active citizenry mindful of its rights and responsibilities.
“The Junior Council will govern for a period of two years in order to obtain knowledge of civic affairs and how government operates and it is expected to practice multi-racialism, gender parity and consider learners with disabilities.”
According to the speaker of council, Clr Patricia Kumalo, the Junior Council will create an effective liaison between the young people of the city and EMM.
“We want to create a platform where young people can have a voice concerning civic matters and share experiences amongst themselves, promote leadership amongst young councillors and develop future leaders who will take pride in being citizens of South Africa,” said Kumalo.
The first meeting is to be held on Friday, August 14, at 9am at the Germiston Civic Centre.
