Shaping future leaders of Cape Town
27 February 2025
The Junior City Council (JCC) remains a beacon of youth leadership development, equipping Grade 10 and 11 learners with the skills and confidence to become ambassadors for the City of Cape Town. Established in 1971, the JCC has undergone significant transformation, with its 2021 redevelopment introducing a structured four-pillar curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical training. This strategic shift has positioned the JCC as a model for youth engagement, drawing interest from national and international stakeholders, including Bitou Municipality and the Joburg Junior Town Council, both of which have studied Cape Town’s approach to youth leadership development.
Each year, the JCC undertakes an extensive selection process to identify young leaders who exemplify the values of the City of Cape Town. This year saw a record-breaking 452 applications – a 50% increase from the previous year. The selection process commenced with an online assessment, where only candidates scoring 80% or higher progressed to the in-person interview stage. Of the applicants, 183 learners were interviewed, with the final 50 securing a coveted spot in the programme.
Over the course of eight days, the interview panel engaged with applicants in a comprehensive evaluation process. Beyond assessing leadership potential, the interviews explored the alignment between each candidate’s values and those upheld by the City.
Assessing the future leaders
The interview process is meticulously designed to gauge critical thinking, social awareness, and problem-solving capabilities. Questions such as: ‘Name one challenge you’ve overcome that has shaped who you are today’ were applied to assess the learners' ability to articulate personal experiences in a way that resonates with many Capetonians.
Additionally, the question: ‘If you had the opportunity to meet the Mayor of Cape Town, what issue would you bring to his attention, and how would you propose solving it?’ served as a test of social awareness, prompting applicants to engage with real-life governance challenges.
A panel of experts and City leaders
A new and exciting feature of this year’s JCC interviews was the inclusion of City officials and councillors as guest panellists, enhancing the integrity and transparency of the selection process.
One of the esteemed panel members, Ms Vuyokazi Ngcobozi, Director for Executive and Councillor Support, shared her experience: ‘I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful process, which is a flagship of the City. I enjoyed every minute of it.’
Her participation, alongside other City officials, reflects the growing recognition of the JCC’s impact and its role in shaping the next generation of civic leaders.
The team behind the Programme
The success of the Junior City Council is made possible by the dedicated Executive and Councillor Support Training Team, led by Manager James Van As and supported by Bianca Mouton, Simone Herold, and Natasha Talliard. Their commitment to executing the new strategy, under the leadership of JCC Custodian, Councillor Donovan Nelson, ensures that the programme remains dynamic and impactful.
As the JCC continues to grow in stature and reach, its role in developing engaged, socially conscious, and solution-driven young leaders has never been more vital. The latest cohort of Junior Councillors is poised to make a meaningful difference in their communities, representing the very best of Cape Town’s future leadership.
Ald. Felicity Purchase, Speaker of the City of Cape Town Council, said: ‘The Junior City Council Programme reflects the City’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive and resilient future by equipping our youth with support and opportunities to engage and participate in local government.’
Captions: Each year, the JCC undertakes an extensive selection process to identify young leaders who exemplify the values of the City of Cape Town. This year saw a record-breaking 452 applications. The success of the Junior City Council is made possible by the dedicated Executive and Councillor Support Training Team, they are from left to right: James Van As, Manager: Councillor Support; Bianca Calitz and Simone Herold from Councillor Support Staff; Councillor Donovan Nelson; Natasha Talliard and Michelle Jacobs from Councillor Support Staff; and Vuyokazi Ngcobozi, Director: Executive and Councillor Support.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
