As we celebrated Youth Day on Monday 16 June, the newly elected Youth Council of the Saldanha Bay Municipality was inaugurated for the 2026-’27 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.

Cecilia Dreyer, a learner from Diazville High School and the new Junior Mayor said on learning about her new position she was shocked as she is not the loudest person in the room, but she also felt honoured as this means she can improve the youth council and make a change.

In her term Dreyer wants actual change within communities and she wants to make sure that every young person feels heard and seen.

Jada Peters,  a learner from Hopefield High School and the new Junior Speaker shared that it is important for young people to have a platform where they can express their views, because  it gives young people a voice and allows them to share their ideas, concerns, opinions and suggestions. “Their views are important because many decisions affect them directly.”

In her new position she promises to promote a positive environment where everyone feels comfortable enough to contribute to discussions.

As for Buhle Nokutshaya, a learner from Vredenburg High school and the new Junior Deputy Mayor, she sees in role as supporting the Junior Mayor. One of her goals is to also tackle youth mental health as many young people have to deal with their studies as well as family problems and avoid peer pressure.

“I’m also thinking of advancing creative conservation storytelling exhibitions; this project will focus on the youth sharing personal reflections on their changing local environments. The purpose of this project would be to allow youth process abstract global threats creatively, giving them a visible public voice, she added.

Nikilitha Batyie, a learner from Louwvile High School and the new Junior Deputy Speaker, said she feels extremely honoured, grateful, and excited to have been elected as the Junior Deputy Speaker.

“This opportunity allows me to serve the youth in my community, represent their interests, and contribute positively to the development of our municipality. I am committed to carrying out my responsibilities with dedication and integrity.”

She hopes to leave a legacy of  positive change, and empowerment.

The Youth Council is excited to make a change during their term and to take on challenges head on.