Africities Summit to take place in Sandton

Sandton is the proud host of the seventh summit which takes place every three years. It is prepared by the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa, an organisation that represents and defends the global interests of local government.

The summit aims to bring African local authorities together to exchange ideas on how best to improve development within government. It also aims to address issues of urban and economic development in African cities. Topics to be covered at the summit include the social and economic impact of urbanisation, economic growth and urban poverty, infrastructure development, environmental challenges and climate change.

The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Parks Tau, together with the Secretary General of the organisation Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi as well as South African Local Government Association deputy chairperson Mpho Nawa addressed the media at a briefing which took place at the Sandton Convention Centre, to discuss what is to be expected at the summit.

Tau revealed that the underlining theme at the summit will be ‘Shaping the future of Africa with the people’. He explained, “The summit encourages all Africans to play a role in shaping the future of the continent together.”

The Mayor went on to say that Sandton is also ready to play its role as the hosting city for the summit. “Sandton is ready to receive the leaders,” he added. “This confirms the confidence Africa has in the City of Johannesburg to host such an event. We are honoured to be the host. This is an opportunity to learn and share ideas with the rest of Africa.”

Mbassi said the summit is a convergence of interests in Africa. “We are building a new beginning for Africa,” added Mbassi.

Nawa said, “We have seen challenges as well as successes of cities towards their people. We want to find ways to reposition local government in the continent.”

Mbassi went on to say that he wants to see local governments finally being recognised as the driving force for structural change at a continental level and the summit will allow for this kind of discourse to take place.

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