In the spirit of Youth Day the newly elected Youth Council of the Saldanha Bay Municipality was inaugurated for the 2023-’24 term.
The prestigious event took place at the Multi-purpose Centre in Saldanha on Friday 16 June.
The purpose of the council is to serve the young people of the West Coast and make their voices heard. The newly elected Junior Mayor, Daniella van Niekerk, said she looks forward to working with a passionate group of learners this year. “By putting our heads together, and using our collective knowledge, I believe we will be able to reach greater heights,” she said.
Van Niekerk said her aim is not only to be a leader, but to be a leader who motivates the youth to make a difference.
“I want to be an ear for my community and a voice for those who cannot convey their needs through words.” With many plans ahead for their term he is excited to see what they can achieve.
Wilmore Daries, the newly elected Junior Speaker, said serving in this role is an honour. Among the simple goals he wishes to achieve as Speaker, he said his main goal is to ensure, after his school years, he continues to be known as a Speaker who led with equanimity, respect and confidence in the council chambers.
“I also want to ensure all my fellow council members will have a fair chance to express their opinions and have a voice rather than just be in a chair quietly. My goal is to encourage them to participate in any form of conversation the council may have in future.”
In his keynote address Executive Mayor of Saldanha Bay André Truter encouraged the council and believes it is a group who will stand out and make a difference.
The new Mayoral Committee for the Youth Council is as follows: Junior Mayor: Daniella van Niekerk, Junior Speaker: Wilmore Daries, Junior Deputy Mayor: Timina Mondile and Junior Deputy Speaker: Palesa Theletsane.
