Joburg Student Council member and Junior MMC for Economic Development, Cllr Nothando Zondo, led Level Up Soweto — a career guidance initiative designed to empower learners from Curro Protea Glen and surrounding schools, demonstrating how youth leadership can drive meaningful community impact.
Cllr Zondo, who is also Head Girl at Curro Protea Glen and a matriculant, organised the initiative to expose learners to career pathways, skills development opportunities and higher education prospects. She encouraged young people to see their communities as spaces of opportunity and growth.
The event brought together learners, educators and key stakeholders, including officials from the City of Johannesburg, the Department of Agriculture and representatives from Wits University. They provided practical guidance on subject choices, skills development and post-school opportunities.
Addressing the learners, Cllr Zondo reflected on Soweto’s legacy and future. “Soweto is resistance, Soweto is courage, Soweto is history — and today, Soweto is possibility,” she said, urging her peers to believe in their potential and actively shape their futures.
The initiative also highlighted the importance of the Joburg Student Council as a platform for leadership development and civic participation. Through the Council, learners from schools across the city are introduced to the principles of public service, accountability and representation. and they are encouraged to identify challenges affecting young people and respond with practical solutions.
The programme equips junior councillors with leadership skills, exposure to governance processes and opportunities to engage directly with institutions of government, higher education and industry. In doing so, it nurtures confident, socially conscious leaders who understand that leadership is rooted in service and community upliftment.
Speaker of Council, Cllr Margaret Arnolds, commended the initiative, noting that it reflects the broader purpose of the Joburg Student Council.
“The Joburg Student Council plays a vital role in shaping leaders who understand that leadership is about service, responsibility and impact,” said the Speaker. “When junior councillors like Cllr Nothando Zondo take initiative and use their platforms to uplift others, they demonstrate the values of active citizenship and ethical leadership.”
Written by Vusi Gumbi