An Abbotts College pupil has been elected as the deputy mayor for the City’s Junior City Council (JCC).
The programme is an apolitical initiative that aims to introduce high school pupils to the functions of local government, according to a City statement.
The eight-month programme includes debate sessions and workshops, and junior councillors will be able to submit formal submissions to council during these meetings regarding youth-related issues.
Fayhaa Khalil, from Rondebosch, has had an interesting two years, first moving from Durban to Cape Town, trying online schooling and eventually enrolling at Abbotts College in July last year.
It did not take the 16-year-old long to find her feet though. She heard about the JCC from a friend who encouraged her to apply.
“I applied and didn’t think much of it, until I heard I was selected to be part of the JCC. We campaigned from June to mid July,” she said.
The other newly elected JCC executive committee members are junior executive mayor Dirk Hagen, a Grade 11 pupil from DF Malan High School; junior speaker Teagan Bender, a Grade 11 pupil from False Bay High School; and junior chief whip Hlumelo Jeke, a Grade 11 pupil from Athlone High School.
They were chosen through a democratic electoral process, supported by campaigning and nominations by the current JCC members. The election took place on Saturday July 22 at the city council chambers, with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) serving as the presiding officer.
The JCC’s custodian, councillor Donovan Nelson, said he was satisfied with the electoral outcome and conveyed his excitement to work alongside the new executive committee on upcoming projects.
“Their collective efforts will ensure that the junior councillors remain actively involved in shaping our city,” he said.
Fayhaa said that while she had campaigned for the position of mayor, she was very happy that Dirk had been selected.
She is passionate about recycling and plans to spread awareness at her school about the JCC.
“It really is the little things that have the biggest impact. As people, we need to realise that the things we say and how we say things affect other people. JCC has shown me how a small group can have an influence on a bigger group,” she said.
Fayhaa’s Afrikaans teacher, Chad Hamner, said she was a well-rounded student who was doing well in all areas.
“She is caring, thoughtful and a joy to have in class. Fayhaa is never afraid to go the extra mile. She has a bright future ahead of her, and I am excited to see what she accomplishes.”
Her mother, Farahdiba, said her daughter had always been a joyful, respectful and immensely compassionate child.
“She has a rare sense of endurance, warmth and awareness of the world around her. I can safely say that she is one of my greatest teachers, and it’s a privilege being her mom.”
Fayhaa said she looked forward to the rest of her time on the council and seeing what changes they could bring about in their community.
