By Edwin Tshivhidzo
MAYORS and local government officials from several African municipalities elected Tshwane Executive Mayor Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa as the President of the United Cities and Local Government of Africa (UCLGA).
More than 4000 local, continental and international delegates and exhibitors from various African countries attended the congress, which ended yesterday.
The UCLGA is the unified voice and coordinating body of African municipal movement. Its objectives are to organise at continental level - effective political dialogue with central and local governments, civil societies, and the international community.
Speaking after his appointment, Father Mkhatshwa said there was a need for the UCLGA to ensure that Africa developed its people.
"We have managed to overcome most of barriers despite the ups and downs. Now it's time to roll up our sleeves to start working for the improvement our people's lives," he said.
He added that the UCLGA would forge partnership with the African Union (AU). "We want to walk alongside these great African leaders of the AU," he said.
The congress deliberated on various issues, and tried to find ways on how best local governments in Africa can improve on service delivery.
They committed themselves to ensuring that there is unity, understanding among municipalities, villages, towns and cities, and committed themselves to the establishment of local government as distinct sphere of government of Africa.
Dignitaries who attended the conference included Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano.
Source: BuaNews
RELATED ARTICLE:
RELATED LINKS:
Presentation for Seminar
