Grace Mackinza, a Grade 11 Delta Secondary School learner, has been elected as Windhoek’s Junior Mayor for 2019/2020. Mackinza replaces Reschelle Beukes who is a Grade 12 pupil at Windhoek High School. She was elected by junior councillors from 36 schools in Windhoek. During the inauguration of the 20th junior council on Monday, Mackinza highlighted that the junior council will make it their priority to address the youth suicide rate that is on a rise. Also speaking at the event was Beukes, who said the time as junior mayor taught her to engage with the community and the importance of her voice. She further urged the next set of junior council members to understand that they have a platform to make a change for Windhoek and to get involved. “This helps to equip future leaders to become involved and being part of the junior council is the medium to make a change,” Beukes charged. Speaking at the same event, City of Windhoek (CoW) Mayor, Muesee Kazapua emphasised the importance of involving the youth in decision-making and the development of their leadership skills to address social issues prevailing in Windhoek. “Youth development and advocacy towards social issues are essential to CoW. Thus, the junior council was established to give them the platform to influence change,” said Kazapua. He, however, warned that this title does not excuse them from educational duties. “Our leaders are where they are today because of their education. Even though they were not as privileged as you are today. Therefore, education should be priority number one on your list, if you aspire to have a brighter future,” Kazapua said. Mackinza will be deputised by Nashiba Abrahams, a Grade 11 learner from Waldorf School Windhoek.