ON Friday history was made at Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality as the first Ekurhuleni Junior Council was elected at Germiston Civic Centre.
After lively deliberations and a lengthy 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 would lead the first sitting of the junior council meeting.
The junior council is a first of its kind in Ekurhuleni in that it 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, 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.
“As young councillors and future leaders we can assist in bettering the lives of the youth. Together let us serve our generation,” she continued.
The leaders of the Ekurhuleni Junior Council are:
Speaker: 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 inauguration of the council will take place at a date that will soon be announced. The young councillors will take an oath before the house as councillors who will hold office for the next two years.
