As we celebrated Youth Day on Monday 16 June, the newly elected Youth Council of the Saldanha Bay Municipality was inaugurated for the 2025-’26 term. This annual event took place at the Skilpad Hall in Vredenburg.
The purpose of the Youth Council is to serve as a platform for amplifying the voices of youth on the West Coast.
Ethan Mahoney from Curro Langebaan, the newly elected Junior Mayor, said he will lead the region’s youth with great humility and a sense of conviction. He previously served as Junior Deputy Speaker. “Let me begin by saying I am not here because I have all the answers. I am here because I believe in the power of listening, of collaboration, and of building a future that sounds like your voice, your challenges and your dreams.”
In the coming months, Mahoney said the Youth Council will not be ceremonial, but a working one that will serve and focus on empowerment through opportunity. Other priorities will be mental health among the youth, unity in diversity, and the youth’s voice in governance, to name a few.
Valiant Arends, the newly elected Junior Speaker from Weskus Skool, said he looked forward to being a strong voice for his peers and driving positive change. “The role means the opportunity to lead with purpose, listen, and make a real impact on our community. I am representing my school and have gained confidence, for this is the first time someone from Weskus Skool is in the role of Junior Speaker.”
Arends said his primary goal in this new role was to create a culture of participation, teamwork and accountability. “I want to ensure our meetings are efficient, inclusive, and focused on achieving meaningful outcomes for our fellow councillors and community.”
In his second term as Junior Deputy Mayor, Shikil Sahadew from Vredenburg High School said he was eager to continue making a difference within the West Coast.
“I look forward to enhancing our initiatives that promote youth involvement in decision-making and encouragement. Additionally, I am excited about organising events that encourage dialogue on important issues such as environmental sustainability. Collaborating with my peers to implement innovative solutions will be a priority, as I believe our collective voice can lead to meaningful change in the Saldanha Bay Municipality.” According to Sahadew, his first term taught him valuable lessons in leadership, collaboration and youth encouragement, which he wishes to continue by implementing more aspects to benefit the youth.
Nikilitha Owam Batyie, the newly elected Junior Deputy Speaker from Louwville High School, said she looked forward to contributing to decision-making, representing constituents and developing leadership skills. “We live in a time where low self-esteem and lack of confidence are a real pandemic. I want to create a safe space where the youth can find comfort in the things they find discomforting, such as voicing their opinions and speaking up about their feelings. My vision is a society where young people are empowered, valued, have confidence in themselves and believe in their capabilities. My mission is to amplify youth voices by providing a platform for young people to express their thoughts and concerns, and also help the youth realise their potential and regain confidence.”
Mahoney encouraged Saldanha Bay youth to dream big and then get to work and challenge the system. They should build something better and speak up, even if their voice falters. “You are capable of making a difference and worthy of leading with conviction and courage, in a place where youth needn’t travel elsewhere to thrive, where hope isn’t distant.”
