She believes young people’s voices should be heard where it matters most: on city council level.
And since Mizero Hope Munyandekwe was elected as Junior Speaker in the Junior City Council (JCC) that has become her mission.
The Grade 10 learner at Good Hope Seminary High School and other executive members were elected on Saturday 10 May.
The JCC was designed to empower Grade 10 and 11 learners and it’s a platform for young leaders to develop their skills, build confidence, and embrace their potential as change-makers.
This year saw a record-breaking 452 applications, almost double the number that applied last year.
The selection process kicked off 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.
This marks the 52nd election since the council’s establishment in 1971.
The other executive members are:
• Junior Mayor: Michael-Daniel Bam
• Junior Deputy Mayor: Matthew Kriel
• Junior Chief Whip: Luniko Nokhepeyi
The election follows a month of 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.
Speaking to People’s Post, Munyandekwe said she was excited about her new role.
“I remember being nervous. I campaigned every day in April. One thing I learnt about campaigning is that you have to canvass your peers and get your message across. I made sure to tell them that I am going to make their voices heard. Any grievances that they have regarding the council, I can be the person they speak to.
“After being elected I could not believe it. I was crying tears of joy; I was so happy. I am excited and ready to test my skills. As a speaker, I have a big responsibility.”
She explained that she found out about the junior council through a friend.
“My journey with the junior city council so far has made me realise that I have an interest in politics, but specifically social development. During my campaign my mission was ‘your voice, my mission’. People’s voices are my mission. It is my mission to make their voices heard.”
The 16-year-old said the JCC helped shape her to be more confident.
“It is a platform that uplifts our youth by exposing us to opportunities to access what abilities we have to facilitate change. I also appreciate the support and guidance we receive from our group leaders.”
“What I realised is that you have to talk to young people and see what they are interested in. You have to be good at speaking, articulating yourself.
“A lot of my peers don’t have this skill set and I think we should start by equipping them with those skills.”
During her reign as junior speaker the Philippi resident hopes to make a positive impact.
“Each one’s been tasked with a leadership project.
“Mine is called chapter for change. I will be donating reading books to orphaned children and do reading activities with them and explore their literacy.
“A lot of children don’t have that skill and it’s alarming how many children can’t read and write. I am to address that with my leadership project.”
During his speech Bam said: “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.”
The Speaker of Council, Felicity Purchase, expressed her enthusiasm, saying she was 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.”
Munyandekwe encouraged young people to believe in themselves.
“It’s all about being confident and believing that you are capable of facilitating change and being a good leader. You need to lead with integrity and intention,” she concluded.
Liesl van Egeren, principal at Good Hope Seminary, said: “She is a very diligent learner who consistently produces good results. She is respectful and shows great leadership skills and she is a very passionate young lady. She is one of our top achievers.”
Van Egeren expressed her pride in the learner.
“We, at Good Hope Seminary, are extremely proud of Mizero and we wish her well. She is carrying one of the oldest school’s name very high in the community.”
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