Statement by Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development

High Level Engagement at Cape Town Stadium

 The Western Cape Provincial cabinet and provincial Heads of Department met with 26 executive mayors and 19 Municipal Managers from all over the Western Cape, at a high level engagement held in Cape Town today.

 Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, says the meeting is based on the format of a “speed dating session” where the mayors and MMs have an opportunity to interact with every HOD and minister in the Western Cape.

 “The session at the Cape Town stadium is well attended and we are excited about this platform’s potential to provide proper engagement and interaction between the senior leadership from the different spheres of government in the Western Cape.”

 Bredell says following the local government elections in August, several municipalities have been experiencing some challenges, which the province is working non-stop to address.

“We remain committed to working together to improve the lives of all citizens in the Western Cape. This innovative meeting today cuts to the chase and provides a golden opportunity for all senior leaders to interact. It is another example of the Western Cape showing that the complex work of government can be effectively coordinated.”

 Premier Helen Zille welcomed the opportunity for provincial and local governments to communicate in an efficient, and comprehensive way. “By the time we are done with this speed dating session today, all the Western Cape’s key decision-makers at local and provincial level would have had the opportunity to discuss issues of mutual cooperation.”

ENDS.