The South African Cities Network is an established network of South African cities and partners that encourages the exchange of information, experience and best practices on urban development and city management.

T

eThekwini is just one of SACN's members

HE network is both a source of information for leadership of South Africa’s largest cities and a catalyst for debate.

It is an initiative of the Minister for Provincial and Local Government and nine of the country's largest municipalities, in partnership with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

The SACN Company is a non-profit voluntary organisation owned by and accountable to its members.

The network identifies, assembles and disseminates information that enhances the ability of decision-makers to learn from the experience of others and efficiently use their resources to build sustainable cities.

Our goals are:

• To promote good governance and management of South African cities;
• To analyse strategic challenges facing South African cities, particularly in the context of global economic integration and national development;
• To collect, collate, analyse, assess, disseminate and apply the experience of large city government in a South African context; and
• To promote a shared-learning partnership between different spheres of government to support the governance of South African cities.

Our activities are designed:

• To update leaders on current and emerging changes and trends in urban policy across the world and in South Africa;
• To promote innovation and strategic thinking between cities and other spheres of government;
• To foster cooperation and exchange of best practice;
• To mobilise the capacity of cities to support local government and national development; and
• To strengthen linkages between cities, towns and rural areas.

Within the context of developmental local government and integrated governance, SACN focuses on the full scope of the urban management process. This includes promoting sustainable cities, economic growth and poverty reduction, urban renewal, good governance, integrated land management and service delivery and city development strategies.

We focus on:

• City Development Strategy
• Productive Cities Strategy
• Inclusive Cities Strategy
• Well Governed Cities
• Sustainable Cities

We offer support in:

• Strategic guidance
• Monitoring and evaluation
• Technical assistance