GAUTENG Premier Mbhazima Shilowa will tomorrow lead a delegation of mayors, city managers and provincial government officials on an international tour which seeks to understand better and learn from global city regions' success.

The delegation includes Johannesburg Mayor Amos Masondo, Tshwane Mayor Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, Ekurhuleni Mayor Duma Nkosi, Provincial Finance and Economic MEC Paul Mashatile, Transport and Public Works MEC, Ignatius Jacobs and Local Government MEC, Qedani Mahlangu.

Gauteng Provincial Spokesperson Annette Griessel said the delegation would meet top government officials in Tokyo, Japan, Randstad in the Netherlands and London in the United Kingdom.

"The delegation will engage in discussions with officials from well-established global city regions on issues of governance and development.

"Practical examples of how cities cooperate will be explored, including the areas of public transport, regional branding, and alignment of development and social inclusion strategies, city planning and partnerships with other sectors," said Griessel.

She explained that in Japan, Shilowa and his delegation would meet with the Tokyo metropolitan government, which combines both regional and local government.

The Greater Tokyo area includes 26 cities and has a population of 26 million people.

"Meetings will also be held with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication and the Tokyo Metropolitan University and the Japanese Football Association.

"In the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, the delegation will further explore global city region economic development strategies and governance arrangements," she said.

The tour is expected to end on July 15.
Source: BuaNews

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