McAuley House in Parktown hosts the Johannesburg Student Council

The Johannesburg Student Council demanded accountability for unethical leadership during a discussion at McAuley House School in Parktown.

“Councillors, including government employees and members of the public mismanaging community funds should be held accountable. Such misdeeds not only hinder community development but also lead to violence, finger-pointing and even tragic consequences. Poor people always suffer and remain poor with the snail-pace development in their areas.”

That is how the City of Johannesburg’s Student Council mayor, Arabile Maphiri, kicked off proceedings at the discussions on October 26.

The student council, also known as the junior council, has student representation from 45 private and public schools across the City of Johannesburg to encourage learner participation in civic events.

The discussion was based on three pivotal concepts: anti-corruption, ethical leadership, and active citizenry. The topics stem from one of the student council’s core mandates; to instil awareness and interest in the affairs of local government.

Community participation helps youth become empathetic citizens who could potentially continue similar work when they become adults. Student council allows them to give back to their communities, develop leadership skills, learn the importance of helping and gain work experience.

Maphiri emphasised the need for accountability and transparency particularly in the townships where councillors would be found participating in corrupt activities with the contractors that are appointed by the council to provide services in the community, resulting in the projects being incomplete or paused due to missing or lack of funds that the project was initially budgeted for.

He also underscored the significance of community self-reliance. Instead of solely relying on the government for basic services like open space cleaning. Communities should actively contribute to improving their areas and prevent littering.

Unemployment was identified as a contributing factor to crime and violence, including looting. The discussion emphasised the need for proactive reporting of criminal activities and taking steps to address unemployment issues in the community.

Another student, Natalie Strydom, condemned unethical leaders who are not exemplary to the youth. She urged the political leadership to act as positive role models for the youth and community.

The students unanimously agreed on the importance of taking an active interest in community activities. They encouraged looking out for one another, providing support through donations of food and blankets to those in need reminding their peers about the significance of the democracy that previous generations fought for to establish. They further urged all students to exercise their democratic rights by participating in the upcoming national and provincial elections in 2024.

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