Grateful for reign as junior mayor

Jasmine Sitzer is the 17-year-old head girl of Duneside High School, and the current junior mayor of Walvis Bay, serving on the junior city council (JCC) and the Erongo regional council.

She said she is a people person who loves working in diverse groups of vibrant and determined individuals. She was selected as the junior mayor on 15 October 2021.

According to Sitzer, the journey so far has not always been easy. “Balancing everything was a challenge to be overcome.”

She, however, added that it has been amazing and she will never forget this experience and how it built not only her character but her people and management skills as well.

“This journey exceeded my expectations and I wish I could do this year all over again.”

Despite the heavy workload, being a junior mayor, you get to meet hundreds of people and make new, long-lasting friendships. In this position, you also learn how to work with diverse groups and how to communicate better.

“All of these qualities you can apply at a bigger age, making you more experienced for the world out there.”

Duties and responsibilities

As the junior mayor, your biggest responsibility is to the youth. Ensuring that they are heard and involved as well as keeping the youth entertained with fun projects while being innovative.

As the leader of the council, it’s the responsibility of the junior mayor to ensure that the council is working to its best potential and meeting its aim for the year of its reign.

“I wanted to see more projects being done in the council therefore I have implemented a project at least once per month, whether it be big or small.” They usually did regular pop-ups in the community, handing out chocolates and goodies to the youth, she said.



Projects

The council also hosted an Easter day celebration where youth could enjoy themselves with Easter egg hunts, movie nights, a lucky packet drive for over 200 less fortunate children and assisting at soup kitchens, amongst other things.

“Our biggest hit, Mr and Miss Teen Walvis Bay, creates a platform for our youth,” Sitzer said. All of these projects are aimed at entertaining the youth responsibly, she added.

The JCC does not only cater for the youth but the environment.

“We took a visit at the SPCA and had a massive Walvis Bay clean-up all around town.”

The members also assisted with revamping the local park in Meersig.

Message for incoming junior mayor

Her message to the incoming mayor is to enjoy every moment.

“Do not stress because you and your team will make anything a success if you believe so.” She added that there are times when you will feel overwhelmed, but those moments are what you are going to remember to not give up.

“Leave a mark, listen to the youth, give out a helping hand where you can and just be yourself.”

Sitzer is currently in grade 11 and intends to continue her studies at AS Level.

“After high school, I would like to study optometry but I will take it to step by step and see how things go.”

The JCC members are community activists who contribute to the development of their community and help shape children into great leaders. These members are selected from various schools within the boundaries of Walvis Bay and serve for one year.

With her busy schedule, Sitzer said she barely has free time but loves spending time with her friends, family and her dog Jay Jay.



Facts about Sitzer:

1 - My first speech was when I was eight years old

2- I love playing tennis

3- I am a die-hard Liverpool fan

4- I serve as deputy chairperson in the Walvis Bay Urban constituency

5- I am not a good amapiano dancer but I still dance it

6- I am the type to still laugh 10 minutes after the joke was cracked

7- It is impossible to count all my freckles

8- I like doing TikTok videos but I never post them

9- I like to be different and dramatic

10- I am the funniest person alive