In a recent meeting, Junior Mayor and Kariega resident, Khazimla Adam, sat down with Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Gary van Niekerk to discuss pressing issues affecting the young people of the Bay.
Adam, who is also a grade 12 learner, expressed her concerns about the state of recreational halls and sports fields in the area, emphasising the need for refurbishment to combat crime and gangsterism in schools.
“How I wish our people could stop destroying the little that we have in our societies (halls, clinics, and libraries) when we demand service delivery,” Adam said, highlighting the importance of preserving community facilities.
Mayor Van Niekerk welcomed Adam’s input, praising her dedication to community upliftment projects and her outstanding leadership. He presented her with an award for her remarkable achievements, including being the first to hold the National Children’s Parliament Speaker position and serving as the South African Human Rights Commission Children’s Rights Ambassador.
“It is remarkable that she was able to do all this while being a Head Girl and matric student,” Mayor Van Niekerk said. “We must support and nurture young leaders like Khazimla to be better leaders of tomorrow.”
Adam was overwhelmed with emotion upon receiving the award, expressing her gratitude to Mayor van Niekerk, her parents, and the community for their support. “I am over the moon with the Honourable Mayor Van Niekerk’s award, which I didn’t expect. It made me so emotional to realise that his office was eyeing my contributions in advocating and uplifting the community. I am really humbled.”
Mayor Van Niekerk promised to take Adam’s concerns to his MMCs, who have already begun work on refurbishing facilities such as Allanridge hall, Motherwell Multi-purpose, and Masemola halls.
