Meet Ekurhuleni’s junior mayor
Cecile Matabaro, a Grade 10 pupil from Brakpan High School, was recently elected as the executive mayor of the Ekurhuleni Junior Council.
The Herald recently posed a few questions to this dynamic learner.
You have been the junior mayor of Ekurhuleni for a few weeks now, has your life changed in any way?
My life hasn’t changed that much, except for the fact that I have the opportunity now to communicate, more than I did before, with learners from other schools.
Do your friends treat you differently now?
No. My friends are very supportive.
Where do you stay and tell us about your family?
I live in Brakpan with both my parents and three siblings. I have a sister, she’s in Grade 12, and two brothers, one in Grade six and the youngest is in Grade one.
You previously told the Herald that you would like to bring about change in Ekurhuleni. What changes would you like to see?
I want to see strong, striving and progressive youth in the City of Ekurhuleni. I also want to help with the drug abuse problem the youth are facing and ensure that the youth read books.
Is your position as junior mayor not going to interfere with your school work?
No. I’m used to multi-tasking. I enjoy involvement in other projects that help me grow mentally.
What do you want to do after matric?
I want to study Mechanical Engineering at any university in South Africa.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
I see myself as a young South African who will contribute to my study field, by coming up with new ideas and inventions.
What makes you smile?
To see myself achieving all my goals.
What are your strengths?
I am a positive-minded person who enjoys facing new challenges. I’m also not easily intimidated.
What are your weaknesses?
I get frustrated when I do not achieve my goals, because I see myself as a failure. I don’t easily accept defeat.
If you could keep only five possessions what would they be?
I love reading and that’s why I would keep three of my favourite books, my tablet and, lastly, my lip gloss.
What is your message to the youth of Ekurhuleni?
It’s important to have goals in life and to always ensure that you do not allow anything to disturb or keep you from these goals. Always strive for success.
Also read:
Two Brakpan learners make history
