Western Cape Government renews agreement with Bavaria

Today, Premier Alan Winde met with Dr Florian Herrmann, the Bavarian State Minister for Federal Affairs to renew the Joint Action Plan between the two regions until 2021.

The Western Cape Government has enjoyed a long working relationship with the Bavarian state of Germany since 1995. The meeting today explored ways to further strengthen bilateral relations as well as other areas of co-operation.

Premier Winde said: “Our partnership with Bavaria is a long standing one and continues to bear fruit for both regions. Under the last agreement, signed in 2016, we focused on vocational training, business co-operation, science and research, issues of climate change and the environment, energy efficiency and agriculture, among other things, with excellent results.”

“The new agreement will continue to focus on areas that fit into our strategic priorities as a government. During the meeting, I highlighted that I am very keen to explore partnerships in the area of safety, as this is a top priority for our government, and there are opportunities to learn from Bavaria in terms of using data in policing, violence prevention strategies as well as training opportunities for the 3000 men and women we intend to deploy as part of the plan. The Bavarian police have an excellent reputation and I believe there is a lot we can learn from their best practice,” Premier Winde said.

A relationship between the Bavarian Police, as well as the South African Police Service will also continue and be strengthened under the agreement.

Opportunities for exchanges and vocational training will also remain under the agreement.

Premier Winde said: “We thank the Bavarian delegation for visiting the Western Cape and for working with us on achieving our priorities as a government. By sharing ideas and knowledge, we are able to learn from international best practice that helps each region deliver on their commitments to their residents.”