Fish Hoek High School Grade 11 pupil Boikemisetso Mathonsi, 16, has been appointed to serve on the Junior City Council.
She will represent Sub-council 19’s four wards, which include Cape Point, Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Kommetjie, Ocean View, Simon’s Town, Seawinds, Noordhoek, and Sunnydale.
“I am very ambitious, and I am always eager to learn and grow as a young leader. I knew that once I take on this opportunity, I would hone my communication skills, be more involved within my community but most importantly, I would have to use critical thinking skills to implement solutions,” said Boikemisetso.
The JCC is a non-political programme modelled after the city council. It’s designed to help high school pupils understand local government and improve their skills, self-confidence, and leadership.
In addition to attending six formal council meetings, pupils have to be active in their community.
In her application, Boikemisetso wrote an essay about the need for youth to learn about entrepreneurship.
“It was inspired by my parents,” she said. “My parents have always emphasised the importance of independence and self-employment. However, we can all agree that unemployment has been a serious issue in our communities and country, which has affected many lives and the economy of the country.”
Fish Hoek High School principal Steve Joubert said: “Boikemisetso’s dedication to learning and service is a shining example of Fish Hoek High School’s values in action.”
Boikemisetso is interested in literature and writing. She writes poetry, volunteers in the library and is a member of school service clubs.
Asked how she planned to juggle the junior council with her studies, she said: “The meetings we have are usually held once or twice every month on weekends, which gives us enough time to focus on our academics, have a social life and commit to our duties as junior councillors.”
