Two Brakpan learners make history
Two Brakpan learners became part of history on Friday, when the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) elected the first Ekurhuleni Junior Council at the Germiston Civic Centre.
After lively deliberations and a lengthy, considerate voting process, the young Ekurhuleni Council, comprising representatives from 99 schools in Ekurhuleni, selected the Junior Speaker of the house, Deputy Speaker, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Chief Whip and Proportional Representative (PR) councillor, who will lead the first sitting of the Junior Council.
Cecile Matabaro, a Grade 10 pupil from Brakpan High School, was elected as the Executive Mayor and Tumelo Mashego, a Grade 10 pupil from Muriel Brand Secondary School, will fill the role of the Chief Whip.
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.
In her acceptance speech, the Junior Speaker of Council, Khanyisile Sponzwa from Global College, in Kempton Park, expressed her gratitude for the appointment and pleaded with the young councillors to unite in serving the community of Ekurhuleni.
“Making a difference in the lives of people starts with knowing yourself and we, as young people, are faced with many social challenges, including teenage pregnancy and substance abuse, to name a few,” she said the Speaker.
“As young councillors and future leaders we can assist in bettering the lives of the youth. Together, let us serve our generation.”
An excited Cecile Matabaro told the Herald that she wants to help to 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 explained.
“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.
Tumelo Mashego said that he wants to make a difference in South Africa and give people hope: “I want to teach the youth to never give up. There are so many possibilities in life.”
The leaders of the Ekurhuleni Junior Council are:
- Speaker of Council: Khanyisile Sponzwa from Global College;
- Deputy Speaker: Phumzile Mahlangu from Caiphus Nyoka High School.
- Executive Mayor: Cecile Matabaro from Brakpan High School.
- Deputy Mayor: Melandré van Lill from Hoërskool Dinamika.
- Chief Whip: Tumelo Mashego from Muriel Brand Secondary School.
- PR councillor: Njabulo Manyathi from Vosloorus Comprehensive Secondary School.
The young councillors will take an oath before the house, as councillors who will hold office for the next two years.
