Churchill Boys High scholar Thomas Confidence (pictured right) is the new Junior Mayor of Harare. As Harare News went to press, he unveiled the ‘serious’ attitude that he and his team will give to their service, at his inauguration at Town House.

The Junior Mayor took to the podium to deliver his first speech, vowing to do a good job by completing every project that the Council embarks on.

“Failure will not be part of our vocabulary. We will compete against ourselves and we will do our part to bring back the sun that no longer shines,” he said.

The Junior Council will work in organisations such as Jairos Jiri and Chinyaradzo, as well as doing clean ups around the city.

The Junior Mayor’s team is also an integral part of the Mayor’s Cheer Fund, a fund raising initiative that has collected funds and helped the less privileged for over 60 years.

Apart from contributing in civic duties, these young citizens are also afforded the chance to learn from their senior counterparts in the various council departments.

Speaking about the Junior Council, Harare’s Mayor Mr Masunda said: “These children, through interacting with their peers from different backgrounds get to understand life.”

In the run up to Junior Council elections, 200 students from 40 schools enrolled, were trained and then interviewed. Only 81 made it onto the Council. This year, girls make up 60% of the Junior Council – a fact that reflects how all genders can and should participate.

Other key positions: Junior Deputy Mayor Felistas Karemba; Town Clerk Ruvimbo Mujuru; Projects Coordinator Ruvarashe Nedziwe; Public Relations Officer Tawanda Ndarama; Treasurer Mahomed Zvakavapano.