Junior City Council
The Junior City Council (JCC) gives young people the opportunity to experience local government first-hand, develop their leadership skills and make a positive contribution to Cape Town. Over the course of a year, Junior Councillors take part in City activities, leadership training and community projects while learning what active citizenship and public service look like in practice.
What is the Junior City Council?
The JCC is a selective, apolitical City of Cape Town programme for Grade 10 and 11 learners. It brings together 50 young people from across Cape Town for a year of practical learning, leadership development and community involvement.
Junior Councillors gain insight into how the City works and how decisions are made, meet people working across local government, develop their confidence and communication skills, and work together on initiatives that have real community impact.
PLEASE NOTE
Applications for the 2027 Junior City Council close on 30 November 2026.
Who can apply?
Learners who will be in Grade 10 or 11 in 2027 may apply. This means applicants must be in Grade 9 or 10 at the time of applying in 2026. Applicants should be prepared to commit fully to the programme throughout 2027.
JCC activities generally take place on Saturdays, with members expected to be available for at least two Saturdays per month. Additional time may occasionally be required for projects and special events.
What can you expect from the programme?
- First-hand exposure to how local government operates and makes decisions.
- Leadership, communication, teamwork and public-speaking development.
- Opportunities to engage with City leaders, officials and community organisations.
- Participation in JCC meetings, training sessions, City events and an annual budget camp.
- The opportunity to plan and deliver a community-based leadership project.
- A chance to meet and work with young people from different communities, schools and backgrounds across Cape Town.
Selection process
The JCC selection process is designed to identify motivated young people with leadership potential, a willingness to learn and a genuine interest in their communities.
Applicants are considered individually. The JCC values a diverse cohort that reflects the cultures, faiths, communities and perspectives of Cape Town.
The application process has three phases:
Phase 1: Online application
Complete and submit the online application form. Applications are screened to confirm that applicants meet the programme's eligibility requirements.
Phase 2: Online assessment
Shortlisted applicants are invited to complete an online assessment consisting of multiple-choice questions and essay questions. No advance preparation material is required. Applicants must achieve 80% to progress to the final phase.
Phase 3: Interview
The final phase is an in-person interview at the Cape Town Civic Centre, 12 Hertzog Boulevard. Applicants prepare a three-minute speech on a topic provided in advance by email and are interviewed by a five-member panel. Applicants must score above 80% to be considered for selection.
Only 50 learners are selected to serve as Junior Councillors each year.
Junior Councillor Leadership Project
Every Junior Councillor completes a community-based leadership project during the year. Projects may include awareness campaigns, skills workshops, environmental initiatives, educational programmes or social support drives.
The project is an opportunity to turn learning into action: identifying a need, developing a plan, working with others, managing resources and measuring the impact of the initiative. At the end of the term, Junior Councillors present their project outcomes to a panel.
How to apply
Complete the online application form during the application period.
Applicants who reach the interview stage will be required to bring:
- A copy of their ID or passport.
- Proof of address from their Ward Councillor.
Applications close on 30 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Junior City Council (JCC)?
The JCC is a one-year City of Cape Town programme that gives Grade 10 and 11 learners practical exposure to local government, leadership development and community service.
Who can apply?
Learners who are in Grade 9 or 10 when applications open may apply to serve the following year, when they will be in Grade 10 or 11.
Can I apply if I am in Grade 9?
Yes. If you are in Grade 9 when applications open, you may apply to serve on the JCC the following year when you are in Grade 10.
How much time does the JCC require?
Members should be available for at least two Saturdays per month for meetings, training sessions and City activities. Sittings are normally from 08:30 to 13:00. Leadership projects and special engagements may require some additional time.
How long is the JCC term?
Junior Councillors serve for one calendar year, from induction through to graduation at the end of the programme.
Do I need to hold a leadership position at school?
No. You do not need to be a Head Prefect, class representative or hold any other formal school leadership position. The JCC looks for potential, motivation, commitment and a willingness to learn.
Is the JCC linked to party politics?
No. The JCC is completely apolitical. Its focus is local government, civic education, leadership, ethics and community involvement - not political parties or campaigning.
Will I be paid?
No. Serving as a Junior Councillor is voluntary.
Does the City provide transport?
Learners are responsible for transport to and from regular meetings and events. Where possible, the City provides transport for JCC engagements taking place away from the Civic Centre.
Does the JCC have a camp?
Yes. The annual budget camp introduces Junior Councillors to the City's budget and Integrated Development Plan (IDP), while also focusing on teamwork and communication in an interactive environment.
What type of projects do Junior Councillors run?
Projects vary according to the interests of Junior Councillors and community needs, and may include workshops, awareness campaigns, environmental initiatives, education projects or social support drives.
How are Junior Councillors selected?
Applicants progress through an online application, an online assessment and, for those who are shortlisted, an in-person interview. Final selection is based on the published selection process, with 50 learners chosen each year.
What skills will I gain?
The programme develops leadership, communication, public speaking, teamwork, project management and problem-solving skills, while building confidence in engaging with City and community leaders.
Why should I join the JCC?
If you are curious about your city, want to grow as a leader and are ready to contribute your time and ideas, the JCC offers a unique opportunity to learn, participate and make a difference alongside young people from across Cape Town.
What happens at the end of the JCC term?
Junior Councillors who have participated throughout the year, missed no more than three JCC sessions, and successfully completed their leadership project will be eligible to graduate. At the end-of-year graduation event, they will receive a certificate confirming their participation in and completion of the JCC programme.
Are all JCC sessions and events compulsory?
The JCC has a structured annual programme of required meetings, training sessions and activities. Throughout the year, Junior Councillors may also be invited to attend external events, conferences, workshops and other opportunities. These are generally optional and may be offered to the full JCC or to individual members based on their interests and the nature of the opportunity.
Will I be required to engage with the media?
There may be opportunities for media engagement during the year, but this is not a requirement for every Junior Councillor. The JCC Mayor generally acts as the programme’s spokesperson. However, Junior Councillors may also be invited to participate in radio, print or other media interviews where appropriate, particularly when the opportunity relates to their interests, projects or JCC activities.
Will I get to meet and engage with City councillors and officials?
Yes. Wherever possible, the JCC programme includes guest speakers from across the City of Cape Town, including City officials, councillors and aldermen. They are invited to share their subject-matter expertise, explain the work of their directorates, and speak about their own experiences of leadership, public service and personal development. These interactive sessions give Junior Councillors the opportunity to ask questions, engage directly with City leaders and gain insight from their knowledge and experience.
Where do JCC meetings take place?
Most JCC meetings take place at the Cape Town Civic Centre, and Junior Councillors are responsible for arranging their own transport to and from the Civic Centre. The programme also makes use of other City facilities, such as the Environmental Education Centre in Green Point, and includes visits to facilities and locations across Cape Town. Where a JCC activity requires travel from the Civic Centre to another venue, transport is arranged for Junior Councillors.
Do my parents or guardians need to give permission for me to participate?
Yes. The application form requires applicants to confirm that they have permission from a parent or guardian to participate in the JCC. Parents or guardians will also be required to complete indemnity forms for activities involving bus travel away from the Civic Centre, as well as a separate indemnity form for the annual JCC camp.
What if I don't know much about local government?
That's absolutely fine. You are not expected to join the JCC with detailed knowledge of the City or how local government works. The programme is designed to help you learn, explore and understand local government through practical experience. What matters far more is that you are curious, willing to learn and interested in making a positive contribution.
Will there be public speaking involved?
Absolutely! Public speaking is an important part of the JCC experience, with plenty of opportunities to practise and build your confidence throughout the year. These may include a debating workshop at the Provincial Legislature, the JCC speech competition, presentations and other opportunities to develop and hone your public speaking and debating skills.
If I am not selected, can I apply again the following year?
Yes. If you apply while you are in Grade 9 and are not selected, you may apply again the following year while you are in Grade 10. This gives eligible applicants a second opportunity to be considered for the JCC programme.
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