Following the end of the term of the last City of Cape Town’s Junior City Council (JCC) executive at the end of last year, junior councillors elected a new executive on Saturday 22 July, with Hlumelo Jeke democratically elected as the new Junior Chief Whip.
Fostering civic responsibility among Grade 10 and Grade 11 learners in all 116 wards and 21 subcouncils is the driving force behind the establishment of the JCC.
Through this initiative, young learners are able to assist and develop the skills, self-image, and leadership abilities of young individuals, enabling them to proudly serve as City Ambassadors, says the City.
Jeke, who is a Grade 11 learner at Athlone High School, first heard about the JCC a few months ago.
“I heard about this opportunity from my tutor, Sethu Ngqoyiyana, who is also an activist. When I heard about it, I felt it was a good platform for me to start doing my work as a philanthropist, as I’ve always wanted to be one but not knowing where to start,” she says.
Hailing from Crossroads, Jeke says being elected was a proud moment.
“I felt overwhelmed and proud. I even fell on my way to the spot where we were taking pictures, but I’m also happy because I’ve always been praying from the beginning of my JCC journey,” she says.
The election followed a democratic electoral process, supported by campaigning and nominations by the current JCC members with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) serving as the presiding officer.
“The election process was a stressful process because this minute I believe I’ll be chosen and the next I doubt my thoughts. Not forgetting how tense it was in the room and the voting process, because all candidates were as fit for the positions. Not knowing who voted for me, because you’ve given someone your vote,” she says.
As an understanding person, she specifically chose to vie for the Chief Whip, as she felt she could make the most impact.
In her role, she hopes to learn as much as possible about diversity and relate to her fellow councillors.
“The history of South Africa is not good, but it is up to us as the youth to change that,” she says.
She is not interested in pursuing a career in politics after school but will absorb as much as possible to take forward in her life.
To the youth, she says: “Respect takes you far and does not wait to reach your goal for you to be proud of yourself. Be proud of all the steps you take in life and pray as much as possible. Pray not with just words but with your heart and you will achieve more.”
