| Cape Town Junior City Council elects Junior Mayor for the 52nd time since 1971 | Cape Town Junior City Council elects Junior Mayor for the 52nd time since 1971 | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Join%20the%20Junior%20City%20Council%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>The Cape Town Junior City Council elected its Junior Executive Members on Saturday, 10 May 2025, continuing a longstanding tradition of raising future leaders. </p> | <p>The Junior City Council celebrated the election of a new leadership team, including the Junior Mayor, Junior Deputy Mayor, Junior Speaker, and Junior Chief Whip. This marks the 52nd election since the Council's establishment in 1971, showcasing its ongoing commitment to youth leadership development.</p><p><span><figure class="subtopic-fullsize-img"><img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Media%20Images%202/DSC_1655.JPG" alt="" style="width:949px;" /></figure></span>The newly elected Executive Members are:<br>• Junior Mayor: Michael-Daniel Bam<br>• Junior Deputy Mayor: Matthew Kriel<br>• Junior Speaker: Mizero Hope Munyandekwe<br>• Junior Chief Whip: Luniko Nokhepeyi<br><br>The election follows a month of spirited internal campaigning, where Junior Councillors articulated their visions for the JCC, outlining the initiatives they plan to champion and the legacy they aim to build as ethical, community-focused leaders.<br>Cllr Donovan Nelson, the Custodian of the JCC, reflected on the significance of the event, stating, ‘This is my fourth year as the Custodian, and it is incredible to see how far we have come. It inspires me to hear these young leaders share their vision for our City and their desire to play an active role.’<br><br>Newly elected Junior Mayor, Michael-Daniel Bam, delivered an inspiring message, saying, ‘Cape Town, we are a city of contrast, but also of courage. A city of history, but also of hope. And we, the youth, are not just the future - we are the now. We have a role to play in ensuring that no voice goes unheard and no challenge goes unaddressed.’<br><br>Also present was Zukile Ntentema, a recent graduate and Peer Counsellor at UCT, who delivered a moving keynote address. He emphasised, ‘It’s the ability to use your talents, your position, and your energy to uplift others. It's making sure your leadership isn't about being in the spotlight, but about turning the spotlight on the issues that matter and real opportunities for every young person in Cape Town — not just a few.’<br><br>The Speaker of Council, Alderman Felicity Purchase, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, ‘I am thrilled to welcome the newly elected Junior City Council Executive to Council soon. Their energy and passion for leadership are exactly what we need to inspire more young people to become actively involved in Local Government. I look forward to working with them and seeing their positive impact.’<br><br>The JCC, designed to empower Grade 10 and 11 learners, provides an unparalleled platform for young leaders to develop their skills, build confidence, and embrace their potential as change-makers.<br><br>The City of Cape Town remains committed to nurturing the next generation of civic leaders, ensuring they become outstanding ambassadors for their communities. The JCC continues to deliver on its mandate of fostering active youth participation in Local Government.<br><br></p><p>End</p> | 2025-05-18T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#f33476b7-c0aa-46f7-bbfa-1dd51c393ca1;L0|#0f33476b7-c0aa-46f7-bbfa-1dd51c393ca1|Junior City Council;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
