Efforts to give young people a stronger voice in local decision-making are gaining momentum in Mogale City, as a partnership with the Swedish International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD) continues to show impact on the ground.

Launched in 2021, the collaboration between Mogale City Local Municipality and Sweden’s Falun Municipality is aimed at strengthening local governance while placing young people at the centre of community conversations and development.

During a recent visit to assess the partnership, ICLD representatives engaged directly with local stakeholders, including members of the Junior Student Council (JSC) – a group of learners who are already playing an active role in their schools and communities.

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For many of these young participants, the programme has opened doors to leadership and civic involvement. JSC members shared how they are representing their peers, organising initiatives, and tackling issues such as safety and social development in their communities.

Municipal leaders say the initiative is helping to address long-standing challenges around low youth participation by creating platforms where young people can be heard and involved in meaningful ways.

There are also plans to ensure the programme continues beyond the current partnership. Executive Mayor Lucky Sele has committed funding to support the JSC going forward, a move seen as key to sustaining the progress already made.

The ICLD has recognised the partnership as a strong example of how international collaboration can support real change at a local level – particularly when it is driven by the needs and voices of the community itself.