Junior Mtshali, a CSIR ICT intern, is also a dedicated and community-minded young person who volunteers with the Crime Prevention Forum (CPF). In his CPF capacity, Junior is active in improving the safety and wellbeing of his and neighbouring communities. This Youth Month and beyond, we recognise Junior as a phenomenal member of #TeamCSIR, for his commitment to public service, demonstrating responsibility, leadership and a genuine desire to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Junior joined the CPF in May 2025, motivated by a drive to promote safety and security within his surrounding communities. “As a CPF member, I participate in safety awareness initiatives, collaborate with colleagues and support efforts aimed at preventing crime through education and proactive engagement. Being part of the CPF allows me to make a meaningful contribution beyond my day-to-day responsibilities,” he says.
Safety is a shared responsibility
Being part of the CPF has come with many learnings for Junior. “My involvement in the CPF has taught me that safety is a shared responsibility and that everyone has a role to play in preventing crime. I have learned the importance of being vigilant, reporting suspicious activities, and building strong relationships within the community,” he reflects. According to him, these experiences have shown that proactive communication and teamwork are essential in creating a safer environment.
As a CPF member, every day is affirming in some way or another. He shares that one of the most rewarding experiences has been participating in community safety awareness initiatives where they worked together with different stakeholders to address local safety concerns. “Seeing community members actively engage and appreciate our efforts has reinforced the work that we do as a CPF team, and it also shows that small actions can make a meaningful difference,” he elaborates.
Contributing to a respectful and collaborative work environment
It is perhaps these lived experiences and others that Junior says would have his CSIR peers describing him as dependable, approachable and committed. “I enjoy working as part of a team,” he remarks, “supporting others when needed, and maintaining a positive attitude while carrying out my responsibilities. I strive to lead by example and contribute to a respectful and collaborative work environment.”
Having joined our organisation in March 2026, Junior is quite excited by the prospect of growing further in his career at the CSIR. “I see myself continuing to grow by expanding my knowledge, developing my leadership skills, and taking on new opportunities that contribute to the CSIR’s strategic goals. I am committed to continuous learning and look forward to making an even greater impact through both my professional role and my involvement in initiatives such as the CPF,” Junior asserts.
Meaningful achievements are made when people work together
When it comes to CSIR’s EPIC values, collaboration is what resonates most with Junior, as he believes that meaningful achievements are made when people work together towards a common goal. “My experience in the CPF has shown me the value of teamwork, open communication, and mutual support in achieving positive outcomes for both the organisation and the wider community.”
As a young man truly dedicated to making a difference, Youth Month is a special time for Junior. “Youth Month is a time to honour the courage and sacrifices of the young people who shaped South Africa’s history, while recognising the important role that today’s youth play in building our country’s future. My hope is that young South Africans continue to pursue education, embrace innovation and seize opportunities for personal and professional growth. I also hope they remain resilient, uphold strong values and become leaders who contribute positively to their communities and the nation,” he affirms.
Published 24 June 2026