They are not the future leaders, they have already stepped into the role.
This was the sentiment of the Stellenbosch Municipal Council when they officially welcomed their junior peers at a special council meeting held on Monday (23 June). It was a historic meeting for Stellenbosch Municipality, as the first Stellenbosch Junior Town Council was inaugurated.
Fifteen teens from across the municipal area will be a voice for young people within the Stellenbosch Municipality.
“My vision is simple – a Stellenbosch where every young person can be seen, heard and empowered. A town were we plant seeds of change within the community, ourselves and at school,” junior mayor Claython Malgas said in his maiden address.
The Grade 11 Franschhoek High School learner will be at the helm of the junior council. His deputy is Melvine Martin, a Grade 10 learner of Stellenzicht Secondary School, while Peyton Arendse, a Grade 10 learner at Rhenish Girls’ High School, is the junior speaker.
Malgas said he and his fellow councillors will strive to build a town they are proud of and a future that is brighter for all.
The junior councillors attended their first council meeting at the Stellenbosch Town Hall this week. During the gathering, the rules of order for council and job shadowing opportunities were discussed.
All junior councillors will receive mentorship and guidance from municipal council members, who will guide them throughout their term.
Mental health, bullying, gender equality and safety, were just some of the causes various junior councillors highlighted as issues they hope address during the term.
Junior council member Danielle Smit, a Grade 10 learner of Stellenbosch High School, is excited for what’s to come and believes the junior council is one of the best opportunities she has to make a difference in her community. “Safety is really important to me and it is of the utmost importance that all children should have the best education possible. This will help them to be equipped to take on the work and be the best versions of themselves,” she said.
The intent is for the junior council to consist of two representatives – Grade 10 and 11 learners – from each of the 19 local high schools within the municipal are. A full junior council would thus comprise 38 members.
Martin urged the youth to participate in events and projects in their communities and become active citizens. “We, as the youth, shape the future, so it is important for us to take part in the shaping of the world,” she added.
Proud family, friends and teachers also in attendance. Malgas’ father, Ashley, is proud of his son’s election to the junior town council. “He might have inherited this leadership qualities from me, but I can’t speak as eloquently as he does,” Ashley said.
“That must be an attribute Claython received from his late mother and I just know she would have been so proud of him.” His wife lost her battle to cancer a few years ago.
During his address, Stellenbosch mayor Jeremy Fasser said it has been heartening to see so many passionate local young people “take a seat at the table”.
He added the ultimate aim for the junior town council is to affect real change within local government. “We will learn about their challenges and also about how they perceive things. They will, in turn, provide a new energy to enable us to learn from them.”
• The full junior town council is: mayor Claython Malgas (Franschhoek High), deputy mayor Melvine Martin (Stellenzicht Secondary), speaker Peyton Arendse (Rhenish Girls’ High), Riane Louw (Stellenbosch High), Kayleight Cass (Groendal Secondary), Daniella Smit (Stellenbosch High), Lulibo Kwayimani (Rhenish Girls’ High), Aleza Roos (Stellenbosch High), Seaton Adonis (Stellenbosch High), Luandri Stadler (Franschhoek High), Byron Scheepers (Groendal Secondary), Cecilia Visagie (Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof), Aqhama Kwayimani (Rhenish Girls’ High), Jacquin Johanessen (Stellenzicht Secondary), and Rachel Johnston (Rhenish Girls’ High).
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