Cape Town Junior City Council

50 years on, the spirit of 16 June lives on! 🇿🇦

Today, we honour the young people who stood with courage and changed the course of our history. Their legacy reminds us that young voices have the power to inspire change and shape a better future.

As the Junior City Council, we remain committed to empowering young leaders to make a difference in their communities.

Remember. Reflect. Lead.

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Where young leaders find their voice!

What better way to kick off Youth Month than inside the chambers of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament?

Our Junior Councillors explored democracy in action, learnt about the Westminster parliamentary system, and even took part in their own debate—building confidence, leadership and a deeper understanding of civic participation.

A special thank you to Hon. Reagan Allen for inspiring our young leaders, and to the Provincial Parliament team for hosting an unforgettable experience.

Today's learners. Tomorrow's leaders.

🗳️ Democracy in action!

Today, the Junior City Council officially elected its new Executive Leadership — including the Junior Mayor (Pierce Beaulieu), Junior Deputy Mayor (Samantha September), Junior Speaker (Lunam Gusha), and Junior Chief Whip (Lilah Barnes).

In an exciting first for the JCC, Assistant Junior Whips were also elected for each colour group, marking a new chapter of youth leadership, teamwork, and representation within the programme.

The day was filled with passion, purpose, and the excitement of participating in a real democratic process, proving that young leaders are ready to shape the future of our City.

A special thank you to 2025 Junior Mayor, Michael-Daniel Bam, for inspiring the 2026 cohort to lead with purpose, look beyond titles, and continue building hope within our communities.

We were also honoured to welcome Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation,, Cllr Zahid Badroodien, whose encouraging words reminded our young leaders that every voice matters and that youth participation remains vital in strengthening our democracy.

Here’s to bold leadership, active citizenship, and a new generation ready to make a difference!

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✨ Shaping Tomorrow Starts with Integrity

Junior Councillors Lunam Gusha, Mia Braun and Qhayiya Melapi, proudly represented the JCC at the Ethics and Forensics Services (EFS) event: “Shaping Tomorrow, Fighting Fraud and Corruption Today."

The event brought together key stakeholders, including the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA), and Executive Directors from across the City of Cape Town.

Our junior councillors engaged with experts in forensics, gaining valuable insight into the importance of combating fraud and corruption to build trust, confidence, and hope within our communities.

As shared by City Manager Lungelo Mbandazayo:
“Ethical decisions strengthen trust.”

Inspired and empowered, our young leaders carry forward a powerful message:Shape tomorrow with integrity and fight fraud and corruption with intelligence.

We extend our sincere thanks to the EFS department for including the JCC in this important conversation and for investing in the next generation of ethical leaders.

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At the JCC’s third sitting of the year, junior councillors learnt all things Local Government. From explaining the different spheres of government to how municipalities work and its budgets.

We were also honoured to have a panel discussion with experienced councillors within the City of Cape Town, who not only shared their journey into politics but engaged our junior councillors through a Q&A session.

As the JCC, we want to express our gratitude to Alderwoman Xanthea Limberg, Cllr Mikhail Manual and Cllr Yusuf Mohammed for their time with the JCC and for sharing their knowledge and experience with us.

Many junior councilors were left inspired and ready to become even further engaged in our democracy.

A powerful start to the journey✨

The Junior City Council kicked off their very first sitting on Saturday, 28 March, at the beautiful Helderberg Nature Reserve.

The session began with a deep dive into leadership and purpose, challenging each councillor to reflect on their “why” as they step into this role. From there, the cohort became part of something even bigger — the City’s 2050 Long-Term Plan (LTP) launch.

What makes this moment so special?
The JCC hasn’t just joined the conversation. They’ve been part of shaping it from the very beginning.

From engaging in a Vision Session with the Executive Mayor at the Cape Town Science Centre in October 2023, to contributing through the inspiring “Postcard from the Future” initiative, our cohorts have helped ensure that youth voices are embedded in Cape Town’s future.

A big thank you to Cllr Patricia van der Ross (PC Chair for FPR) for breaking down the LTP in a way that was engaging, practical, and fun — and to Gareth Morgan, Executive Director for Future Planning & Resilience for diving deeper and answering the many insightful questions from our curious councillors.

The future of Cape Town is being shaped, and our youth are right at the centre of it!

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The future of human rights lies in the hands of young people who are willing to speak up, stand firm, and lead with purpose.

Today, we honour the past and commit to building a more just and equal tomorrow, together.

Alumnus, Triston Fortune (currently Deputy President of the Nelson Mandela Children's Parliament) attended the 30th Anniversary celebration of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund — an unforgettable evening surrounded by ambassadors, CEOs, authors and changemakers.

“Honestly, no words can describe what I felt being there. I’m so thankful to the JCC for opening up this opportunity and allowing me to thrive.”

The evening featured an address from the President of South Africa and a keynote by former President Thabo Mbeki.

Moments like these remind us that when young leaders are given opportunities, their worlds expand in ways they never imagined.

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On Saturday, 7 March 2026, we officially welcomed the 2026 Junior City Council cohort at Orientation Day! ✨

Our newly elected Junior City Councillors stood together and read their oath of commitment, while parents and guardians looked on with pride.

This marks the beginning of an exciting journey of leadership, service, growth, and civic responsibility. As ambassadors of the City of Cape Town, these young leaders will use their voices to represent their peers and help shape the future of our communities.

Welcome to the JCC family, councillors. We look forward to seeing you lead with purpose, grow with confidence, and inspire change.

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The 2026 Junior City Council Cohort ✨

After careful consideration, we are proud to announce that the final 50 learners who will form the 2026 Junior City Council cohort have been selected.

This was not an easy decision. We were inspired by the depth, passion, and leadership potential shown by so many exceptional candidates from across Cape Town.

To every learner who put themselves forward — thank you!

Please keep an eye on your inbox (and spam folder) for the official outcome email that will be sent on Friday, 13th February 2026.