Seasonal School strengthens councillors' leadership across the Western Cape to improve economic growth and service delivery
The Western Cape Department of Local Government (DLG), in partnership with Stellenbosch University (SU) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) South Africa, successfully hosted a two-day Seasonal School (6-7 July 2026) for municipal councillors at Ashanti Estate in Paarl. The programme brought together elected representatives from municipalities across the Western Cape to strengthen leadership, governance and local economic development.
Established through a partnership between the DLG, SU and the HSF South Africa, the Seasonal School aims to strengthen the leadership and governance capacity of elected municipal representatives. Since its inception, the programme has addressed critical local government themes, including consequence management, public-private partnerships, intergovernmental collaboration and ethics. Building on these foundations, this year's programme focused on economic governance and the strategic role of councillors in creating an enabling environment for sustainable local economic growth through effective oversight, transparent decision-making and collaborative leadership.
The DLG and the HSF have continued to work together to strengthen municipal governance and support municipalities in achieving the constitutional objectives of local government through targeted capacity-building initiatives that promote effective leadership and improved municipal performance.
The programme featured addresses by the Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Mr Anton Bredell; the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer; the Executive Mayor of the Cape Winelands District Municipality, Alderman Dr Elna von Schlicht; and international guest, Councillor Thomas Huber, a Member of the Bavarian Parliament, who shared international perspectives on local governance and economic development.
In their addresses, the speakers highlighted the important role of municipal councillors in creating the conditions necessary for economic growth, investment and improved service delivery. Minister Bredell emphasised that good governance provides the foundation for addressing poverty and improving the lives of residents. Minister Meyer encouraged councillors to recognise local government's strategic role in enabling economic growth, while Councillor Huber reinforced the importance of infrastructure investment and integrated land-use planning as essential tools for creating an environment conducive to investment and development.
Among those attending the workshop were Mr Graham Paulse, Head of the Western Cape Department of Local Government; Ms Jo-Ann Johnston, Head of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism; Professor Zwelinzima Ndevu, Head of the Stellenbosch School of Public Leadership; and Mr Hans Buhler, Resident Representative of the Hanns Seidel Foundation South Africa. Their participation reflected the strong partnership between government, academia and international stakeholders in advancing capable local government.
The workshop equipped councillors with strategic insights, analytical tools and governance frameworks to strengthen Local Economic Development (LED) and promote sustainable job creation within their municipalities. Through technical presentations, practical exercises and collaborative learning, participants enhanced their ability to interpret local economic data, identify growth opportunities and constraints, and align municipal planning, budgeting and oversight with economic development priorities. The programme also reinforced how effective leadership and sound governance contribute to building resilient, sustainable municipalities.
Councillors received practical “toolkits” designed to support the review of municipal LED strategies and strengthen alignment with the Western Cape Growth for Jobs Strategy. The workshop also provided valuable opportunities for participants to exchange experiences, share leading practices and engage directly with academic experts and practitioners through interactive panel discussions.
Participants responded positively to the programme and recommended that economic governance continue to form part of future councillor capacity-building initiatives following the upcoming Local Government Elections. They also acknowledged the critical role councillors play in influencing economic growth, strengthening governance and improving the quality of life within their municipal jurisdictions. Additionally, councillors re-affirmed their commitment to building resilient and sustainable local governments.
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