The Junior Town Council convened its initial official meeting, a special council sitting where members were formally introduced to the Stellenbosch Municipal Council. During this session, the JTC received an official welcome, connected with councillors, and commenced discussion on their first agenda items, which included rules of order and job shadowing opportunities.

Mayor Jeremy Fasser acknowledged the significance of the JTC, stating, “This initiative gives young leaders a seat at the table – empowering them to learn about the inner workings of local government, get involved in community outreach and represent the voices of their peers.”

The establishment of the Junior Town Council by Stellenbosch Municipality seeks to deepen civic engagement. This initiative is designed to complement the municipality’s ongoing 100-Day Challenge, which focuses on preventing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) through youth leadership and community connection.

The participation of young individuals in governance is pertinent, particularly in the context of addressing GBVF. When young people are provided platforms to understand governance processes, they gain the capacity to shape peer engagement and articulate issues affecting their communities. This direct involvement can facilitate the development of long-term strategies for accountability, respect, and social change from within the youth demographic. Engaging young people in decision-making relevant to GBVF prevention can contribute to fostering new perspectives, identifying effective peer-led interventions, and cultivating a culture that challenges violence and promotes gender equality from an early age. Such engagement is integral to building sustained capacity for social transformation.