Cape Town’s Junior City Council has elected its 2026 executive leadership team as young leaders prepare to represent youth voices across the city.
Cape Town Junior City Council has officially elected its 2026 executive leadership team following a month-long internal campaign process aimed at strengthening youth participation and civic leadership.
The newly elected executive includes:
- Junior Mayor: Pierce Beaulieu
- Junior Deputy Mayor: Samantha September
- Junior Speaker: Lunam Gusha
- Junior Chief Whip: Lilah Barenes
In a first for the Junior City Council (JCC), five assistant Junior Whips were also elected to represent the programme’s various sub-groups, marking an expansion of youth representation within the initiative.
Newly elected Junior Mayor Pierce Beaulieu said the role represents an opportunity to amplify youth voices across Cape Town.
“I am incredibly honoured to serve as Junior Mayor of Cape Town, not because of the title itself, but because of what it represents; the opportunity to listen, to lead, and to amplify the voices of young people across the city,” he said.
Beaulieu, a Grade 11 learner at the American International School of Cape Town, resides in Hout Bay.
Junior Deputy Mayor Samantha September attends Parow High School and is from Elsies River, while Junior Speaker Lunam Gusha is a learner at Sea Point High School from Khayelitsha.
Junior Chief Whip Lilah Barenes attends Fairmont High School and resides in Durbanville.
The elections were attended by 2025 Junior Mayor Michael-Daniel Bam, who encouraged the incoming leadership cohort to lead with purpose and continue creating hope within communities.
Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, delivered a keynote address emphasising the importance of youth participation in strengthening democracy.
JCC co-custodians Nicola Jowell and Nicole Sukers praised the leadership shown throughout the election process.
The Junior City Council programme is designed to empower Grade 10 and 11 learners by providing opportunities to build confidence, leadership skills and civic engagement experience.
