Junior councillors inaugurated

The term of office for Ekurhuleni’s junior councillors started in earnest following the inauguration of 99 junior councillors, in Boksburg, over the weekend.

Two of the young leaders are Brakpan pupils.

Cecile Matabaro, from Brakpan High School, was elected as the executive mayor and Tumelo Mashego, from Muriel Brand School, will fill the role of chief whip.

The newly sworn in councillors used the occasion to pledge their commitment to serving the residents of Ekurhuleni with dignity and pride.

They converged for the first council meeting yesterday (Thursday), at the Boksburg Civic Centre, to tackle governance issues affecting the youth.

Speaking after the inauguration and election of committee chairs, the junior Speaker of council, Clr Khanyisile Ponzwa, called for the council to work in unity.

“We ought to work together and be examples of which both our parents and residents of Ekurhuleni can be proud,” she said.

“I pray that during our term of office, we will work diligently with no division, even in the midst of expected pluralism of ideas in council.”

The establishment of the junior council is championed by Ekurhuleni’s Speaker of council, Clr Patricia Khumalo.

Kumalo believes that a nation that doesn’t invest in its young people is walking into a trap of a doomed future.

“These young people will acquire knowledge of public affairs and understanding of how government operates, and this will ensure that we have a feeder system of great leaders who are able to resolve conflicts through negotiation,” she said.

The junior council is a first of its kind in Ekurhuleni and will ensure that youngsters at school level understand what democracy is about and take part in deliberations to ensure that children’s issues are taken into account by the municipality and its council.

Speaking to the Herald after their election to council, in August, last year, Matabaro explained she wants to help bring about a change in Ekurhuleni.

“I want to confront the challenges that the youth face in today’s life, especially the social challenges,” she said.

“I’m grateful that I’m part of such a wonderful council and I believe we will make a difference for the youth of Ekurhuleni.”

Matabaro also added that she wants to become a mechanical engineer one day.

Mashego wants to make a difference in South Africa and give people hope.

“I want to teach the youth to never give up,” he said.

“There are so many possibilities in life.”

Also read:

Two Brakpan learners make history

Meet Ekurhuleni’s junior mayor