Inspired by the courageous women of 1956, and driven by their civic and community duties, the Johannesburg Junior Council (JJC) took to the streets of Parktown on August 10.

The councillors, accompanied by the Parktown Boys’ High School band, sang and chanted women’s month songs as they completed their 3km walk.

Read more: 1956 march stalwart challenges young women

JJC facilitator Sandy Colman said the council is an NPO that consists of eight young leaders in Grade 11 from 40 schools across Johannesburg.

Colman added that the JJC provided opportunities for its members to enhance their community project management skills, broaden their knowledge, and cultivate the culture of active citizenry by doing so, empowering young people to become agents of change. “Our objectives include developing interest in civic and community affairs, awareness of those less privileged, identifying problems society faces, and nurturing sharper leadership skills.”

JJC’s outreach chairperson Lesedi Moletsane explained that the march was to honour the brave women of 1956 who paved the way for young women to lead in our generation.

A JJC councillor Humayrah Ebrahim said the march meant a lot to her, because growing up as a girl in South Africa, she knows how difficult the struggles of women continue to be, and was glad to be able to contribute to the march.

JJC secretary for outreach Kaley Govindasamy and deputy secretary for outreach Tamara Mwewa were responsible for the creation and designing of posters, as well as ensuring the Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s (JMPD) presence.

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