At just 16 years old, Michael-Daniel Bam (MD) is already making a name for himself as a community leader, Junior Mayor of Cape Town, and founder of his own nonprofit initiative, the Michael-Daniel Bam Foundation.

In this thoughtful interview, he sits down with classmate Maya Sleight to talk about how he juggles school, leadership, and personal projects, and what keeps him motivated. From handling burnout to the meaning behind his motto “Rise by lifting others,” MD shares the passion and purpose that drives his work.

Maya: What made you decide to start the Michael-Daniel Bam Foundation? What was the inspiration?

MD: My family is from Grassy Park, and I spent a lot of time there growing up. So I’ve seen and experienced what many young South Africans living in less privileged areas on the Cape Flats go through, whether it’s limited access to opportunities, under-resourced schools, or the daily challenges that come with trying to build a better life in tough circumstances. In 2023, we moved into a far more privileged area, and through that journey, I really began to see the contrast between those who have and those who don’t. That contrast inspired me to use the privilege I now have to help those who may be less fortunate. It gave me the drive and motivation to start the foundation.

I really began to see the contrast between those who have and those who don’t. That contrast inspired me to use the privilege I now have to help those who may be less fortunate.

Maya: When you first came up with the idea, how did you get it going? Like, where did you start?

MD:  So the idea for my first project, Project Eudaimonia, which is phase one of our homeless integration program, came from something small. We were driving past a group of people experiencing homelessness, and I said to my mom, “When it’s Christmas time, we always have these big meals with leftovers. Why don’t we put some of it into boxes and hand them out?” And she was like, “No, why give leftovers? Rather make a whole meal”. And that really stuck with me.

A few months went by with the idea still on my mind.

When I would walk my dog every night, I kept passing the same man in our local park and eventually I started to talk to him. I wanted to connect with him because I see him every day. I got to know him, his name is Shepard, and I found out that at the time, he and his family were all living in the park.

That was when I had almost that light bulb moment, where I decided I'm gonna take this idea, and I'm going to put it into action to do something for Shepard and his family. That’s how it all began.

Maya: What kind of things is the foundation working on right now?

MD: Project-wise, I’m working on two main things at the Foundation: Project Eudaimonia, which is about building trust and community through U-Turn Vouchers and food parcels. It's part of our homeless reintegration programme. I’m hoping to run that again around December. Then there’s Project Plysi, which I want to run around July or maybe August. It’s got a bit of a different focus, more around providing hygiene essentials in care packages. 

I’m also looking at the sustainability of the Foundation. I’ve enjoyed doing the heart part of the work, but now I need to bring in the brain part too. I want this Foundation to last and keep helping people, so I need to treat it like a business.

Maya: How do you figure out what people or communities need help with? Like how do you prioritise one need over another?

MD:  That’s a great question. So it comes down to going into the community and asking. But also, just observing and empathising. Like, when I saw people experiencing homelessness, the first obvious needs were shelter, a warm meal, clean water, and clothes.

Then when you start talking to people, you realise it goes deeper. Stuff like, “Can you help me get an ID?” or “Can you help me apply for work?” So yeah, it’s about listening and being present. That’s how I try to understand and prioritise.

Maya: So what is involved in the junior city council, and what are your responsibilities as Junior Mayor?

MD: The Junior City Council is an apolitical program run by the City of Cape Town. There are 50 junior councillors, and the goal is to get youth more involved in civic participation. We’re like a junior version of the actual city council.

One of our big responsibilities is that each of us has to run a leadership project, like my Project Eudaimonia, something that helps our community.

As Junior Mayor, my main role is to support and help make sure all 50 of those projects happen smoothly and make a difference in the communities. That’s the leadership side of it. Then there’s also the more academic or business-y side, like, one of my first task was writing a piece on the City of Cape Town’s proposed 2025–2026 budget (Proposed Budget at the time - it has since been changed). I posted the article on LinkedIn.

We need to break out of our bubbles and actually go into the communities that are struggling ... if you go just around the corner, you’ll see the reality ... The hustle, the struggle, the people trying to get by.

Maya: You were talking about experiencing life in different communities, from your old neighbourhood and now being in a more privileged environment was what inspired you to start your foundation. How can we get people our age, especially those who are quite privileged and haven’t faced those challenges, to care or take action?

MD: Yeah, it’s a complex one. The thing is, when people don’t want to help, they won’t. But especially in a school like ours, where we are incredibly privileged, what we need is exposure.

So I think what we need to do is take our students into communities, and we need to really see what the struggle is that people face on a daily basis. We need to break out of our bubbles and expose ourselves to the difficulties that people have. A lot of us live in really privileged areas. But if you go just around the corner, you’ll see the reality of Cape Town. The hustle, the struggle, the people trying to get by. If we bring students into those areas and let them see what’s going on, I really think it’ll touch their hearts and they’ll feel more motivated to do something.

Maya: So let’s say someone does get inspired. What’s the first step? Where should they start if they want to make a difference?

MD: For me, with Project Eudaimonia, I dove straight in without a proper plan. Luckily, my dad works in the nonprofit space and helped guide me. He was like, “Okay, if you’re going to do this and make it a proper nonprofit, you also need to understand the business side of it”.

But for someone starting out, I’d say: start small, and start with a plan. I know people don’t like hearing that, but honestly, small isn’t a bad thing. If small means helping 25 people, then that’s your start. It doesn’t have to be massive from day one.

And my best advice to young people is, especially in this space, it’s not about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s just about starting. The rest comes with time.

I think another thing that’s quite important is when you are looking for resources or you’re looking for support, it’s important to sell yourself, not just your cause. Because a lot of people can have good causes, right? But what makes you different is your drive, your passion, your willingness to actually do something. Because if you’re just coming with a good idea, that’s not good enough. You need to show that you are the right person to bring it to life.

Maya: How do you handle people not taking your ideas or your work seriously because of your age?

MD: That’s a good question. I think it’s something I still struggle with. It’s difficult because, you know, you always have to be respectful, even when you are disrespected, which is really hard. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to develop that trait, of always responding with respect no matter how I’m treated. But one thing I’ve learned is to brush it off your shoulders and move on. Another thing I’ve learned, especially for young people, is if someone tells you “no”, ask why. Keep asking why until you understand. And if the reason isn’t good enough? You do it anyway. You really have to be determined. You need that passion - because without it, you’ll burn out.

Maya: On that note, how do you deal with burnout? I was shocked when I saw your calendar! You’re juggling school, multiple projects, and being Junior Mayor, which is overseeing like 50 other projects, and so much more.

MD: I think what makes it easier is that I love what I do. Honestly, I’d rather be working on my foundation or planning a project than just hanging out and playing video games. That passion makes the workload feel lighter. When it comes to balancing school and admin, it’s tricky - I’m still figuring it out. But what helps is setting priorities. If I’ve got homework due tomorrow and admin due next week, I’m doing the homework first. And I try to start tasks as soon as they come in. If something’s due next month, I start it today. And surrounding myself with people who inspire and motivate me keeps me going.

The only way we can truly rise, as individuals, as a community, as a country, is by lifting up those around us.

Maya: What would you do if, let’s say you had a full day off with zero responsibilities?

MD: Sleep! (laughs) But honestly? I probably still wouldn’t just rest. Maybe brainstorm a new project or find ways to grow what I’m already doing. I find joy in the work. It fuels me more than just switching off would. Maybe watch some football, or take a walk in the park.

Maya: So last but not least, your motto is “Rise by lifting others.” I saw it on the back of your T-shirt. What does that actually mean to you?

MD: “Rise by lifting others” is more than just a slogan for me. It’s how I try to live my life, and it’s the core principle behind my foundation. I believe that the only way we can truly rise, as individuals, as a community, as a country, is by lifting up those around us. If you’re in a position of influence, even a small one, use your voice to amplify others, especially those who aren’t being heard. It’s not just about speaking louder, it’s about making space for others to speak too. That’s how we move forward together.

→ Find out more about the Michael-Daniel Bam Foundation.
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