Westridge teen sworn in as Western Cape Child Ambassador

Westridge teen Triston Fortune, a Grade 10 pupil at Bergvliet High School, was recently sworn in as the Western Cape Child Ambassador and the deputy president of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament.

He is also a member of the Junior City Council and the chairperson of his school’s Representative Council of Learners (RCL). 

Triston’s passion for helping others began early, inspired by his great-grandmother and mother, both active in feeding schemes and community support.

“I realized there are many problems the government doesn’t see on the ground,” he said.

Growing up in Mitchell’s Plain, he became aware of challenges faced by children, including hunger, bullying, and mental health struggles.

His leadership journey started at a Rocklands primary school, where he asked the principal to establish an RCL but was told he was too young.

That experience highlighted the importance of advocating for children. Since then, Triston has participated in youth leadership programmes across the Western Cape, including health and safety meetings, where he listens to children’s concerns and pushes for meaningful change.

Triston’s mother, Tasna Fortune, said his passion for helping others has always been clear.

“He would read newspapers and watch parliament discussions from a young age. Even at home, he would notice when children in the area were hungry or struggling and ask how he could help,” she said. “He wants to make a difference, not just hold a title.”

Monica Makaula, deputy director responsible for Priority Programmes Coordination at the department of the premier, said Triston is passionate about children’s issues, particularly in the Western Cape.

“He holds many leadership roles and has the potential to amplify children’s voices across the province. We expect him to represent children in government decision-making, including planning, budgeting, and matters affecting them. It is crucial that children are not used as tokens but are genuinely heard," she said.

Triston will be linked to programmes across the Western Cape, visit municipalities to engage with children, and help address issues affecting children nationwide.”

Triston describes his new role as “not just a title” but a responsibility. “I represent every child in the Western Cape and South Africa. I don’t want to let them down,” he said.

Once his duties officially begin after his final exams, he plans to focus on education equality, mental health programmes, and fighting food insecurity through his community initiative.

Children can contact Tristan at tristanfortune11@gmail.com or call 082 700 3542, or on social media @tristan_lmk.