Keanan Harmse
A young learner from Fish Hoek is looking forward to tackling community issues as a member of the new Junior City Council (JCC) for this year.
Maseeha Kaka (16) is currently completing her third year learning from home with Qurtuba Online Academy.
Kaka was elected as a member of the City’s junior council to serve for nine months when the City officially announced its Junior Executive Members on Saturday 10 May.
“Learning from home has helped me become more independent and manage my time better. I’ve lived in both Polokwane and Cape Town, which shaped my adaptable spirit and deep appreciation for different communities,” she says.
Besides her passion for addressing issues plaguing her community, her hobbies include sketching and watching football.
Kaka says she was inspired to apply for a position on the council through a recommendation from Ward 64 councillor Izabel Sherry.
“I feel deeply about giving back to the environment and uplifting the communities I come from. The opportunity to apply came through a message from my councillor Sherry, on our community WhatsApp group last December. It was a spontaneous decision and one I didn’t overthink, just took the chance and applied,” she said.
To secure her qualification for the council she had to complete an online assessment from the City.
“The process included an online assessment with questions about our country and its structure, as well as two essays — one about myself and one about the changes I’d like to see in my community.
“As for the interview, it was nerve-wracking but exciting. Then on Friday 7 February, I received an email saying: ‘Congratulations’ I made it! I was over the moon. I was stepping into something meaningful, something bigger than myself,” she said.
As a Junior City Councillor she is currently spearheading her own community project,
Savvy Seniors, that supports senior citizens with overcoming technical difficulties.
“What makes this project so personal and powerful is the way it’s touched lives in unexpected ways. One elderly participant shared how all she wanted was to be able to video call her family in Italy — something so simple, yet so deeply meaningful to her. Another just wanted help taking a photo of herself. These moments have shown me that this project is so much more than teaching tech — it’s about love, independence and connection.
It’s also special because it bridges the gap between two generations. Watching the youth volunteers — many just 13 or 15 years of age, patiently guiding the elderly, laughing with them, and building friendships, has been just beautiful. It has uplifted both the young and old,” she said.
Kaka also volunteers at the TEARS Animal Shelter and has previously assisted at the Tom Ro Haven Horse Ranch in Noordhoek.
The shelter offers free sterilisation services and serves the Masiphumelele, Ocean View, Vrygrond, and Red Hill communities.
“I’ve always had a big heart for animals. For that reason, I enrolled at TEARS, where I’m volunteering since 2023 in the kennels and cattery; walking the dogs and spending good quality time with them,” she explained.
“One challenge for me has been staying on top of current affairs. Before this, I didn’t really follow ‘meaningful’ news, but I’ve realised the importance of staying abreast of matters locally and abroad,” she says.
Kaka is also tasked with covering the events for the City as a media representative for the council.
“In this role I capture our moments ‘on the job’ to help promote the work we do, preserve memories, and spread awareness about this awesome initiative that the City has afforded us.
During this journey, I am looking forward to meeting new people from all walks of life and widening my networks. This platform is more than just a title—it’s an opportunity to grow, learn, lead, and give back.
“I’m inspired every day by the 49 other junior councillors and the amazing team leaders and councillors who guide us,” she said.
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