The reconstitution of the Junior City Council has begun, with invitations to almost 300 state and independent high schools in the city. The JCC is not a political structure and participation by schools is voluntary.
The composition of the JCC, which was established in 2006, has been redesigned to more closely align the schools in each of the City’s 111 wards with governance and service delivery in Cape Town. Each school will nominate a Grade 9 or Grade 10 candidate, and a selection panel in each ward will interview and rank the candidates and appoint one or more junior ward councillors, depending on the number of participating schools in a ward. The junior ward councillor will be an ex officio member of the ward committee which advises the ward councillor on local community needs.
The JCC reserves 150 seats for members drawn from schools and a further 30 representing registered and constituted youth organisations in Cape Town. The Junior Mayor, Junior Deputy Mayor and Junior Speaker are elected by all members of the JCC.
The JCC’s slogan,“Building Leaders of the Future” encapsulates its aim of inspiring young people to understand the function of local government by becoming involved in civic matters and community projects. Junior councillors will be able to propose projects associated with the City’s IDP pillars of an Opportunity City, a Safe City, a Caring City and an Inclusive City.
The JCC also provides a youth lobby for young Capetonians to engage through direct recommendations to the City Council. It has the opportunity to provide peer influence in communities at risk and for individual junior councillors, it is a positive first excursion into public service.
The closing date for schools to submit the names of candidates is 11 November 2011. For further information contact Charmaine.vanreenen@capetown.gov.za
