23 May 2006
Gautengâs Executive mayors and Premier Mbhazima Shilowa have reaffirmed
their commitment to drive efforts to build Gauteng as a globally competitive
city region.
The decision was made at the Premierâs Co-ordinating Forum (PCF) meeting on
22 May 2006, the first since the April local government elections, attended by
Shilowa, Johannesburg mayor Amos Masondo, Tshwane mayor Gwen Ramokgopa,
Ekurhuleni mayor Duma Nkosi, West Rand mayor Faith Matshikiza, Sedibeng mayor
Mlungisi Hlongwane, Metsweding mayor Agnes Mlondobozi, local government MEC
Qedani Mahlangu, finance MEC Paul Mashatile as well as municipal managers and
heads of departments.
The PCF was formed in the year 2000 to discuss strategic issues and ensure
effective coordination between the provincial government and metropolitan and
district municipalities in Gauteng.
The forum reaffirmed its backing for a province-wide initiative to build
Gauteng as a globally competitive city region, and agreed that it should move
âfrom conceptualisation to implementationâ.
The global city region perspective, which is in line with the national
spatial development perspective, has been under discussion at municipal and
provincial level after it was identified as an intergovernmental priority in
2004.
The initiative recognises Gautengâs unique character as an economic hub and
an urban province with a high degree of interconnectedness between its various
regions and neighbouring provinces. It aims to further boost Gautengâs
performance in its efforts to address unemployment, poverty and
underdevelopment and will seek to improve collaboration and integration on
issues such as transport infrastructure, safety and security, sustainable human
settlements, investment and tourism promotion, and environmental
sustainability.
Mayors, the Premier and MECs will now embark on a series of engagements to
discuss the strategy with key stakeholders, leading up to a public launch later
this year.
Enquries:
Annette Griessel
Cell: 082 563 3614
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
23 May 2006
