22 August 2006
The MEC for Local Government and Housing in the Western Cape, Qubudile
Richard Dyantyi is hosting a Women in Local Government Conference. This year we
are commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Women's Anti-Pass March to the
Union Buildings. Following the Premier's call in his state of the Province
address, the MEC for Local Government and Housing Qubudile Richard Dyantyi has
initiated a number of Siyabulela (We Thank You) projects, which are aimed at
empowering women and young people.
The Department of Local Government and Housing has developed a leadership
development programme for Women councillors with the aim of strengthening the
34,22 percent (253) entry of Women into Local Government within the Western
Cape. The Women in Local Government Conference is taking place on 23 and 24
August 2006, and will be graced by the Deputy President of the Republic of
South Africa, Mrs Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, who will deliver the keynote address.
The Premier of the Western Cape, Mr Ebrahim Rasool, will also attend.
The global 50/50 by 2005: Women in Government - Getting the Balance Right!
Campaign was launched in June 2000, during a special session of the United
Nations General Assembly, which reviewed the Beijing Platform of Action, and in
March 2002, South Africa became the 11th country to adopt the representation
campaign by 2005.
After the local government elections in March 2006, our female councillor
representation has increased to 34,22 percent at local government level, in the
Western Cape. These are newly elected individuals who will need assistance with
building their governance skills in the organisations or municipalities that
they serve and strengthen their participation in democracy by way of
qualitative and quantitative means. The role of the Department of Local
Government and Housing and all other relevant stakeholders in terms of gender
issues at a local government level, should be to build capacity in terms of
leadership for women councillors to effectively participate in structures of
local governance and to provide networking opportunities to discuss issues of
general interest.
The Department of Local Government and Housing in turn translated this
Siyabulela deliverable into projects:
* Project 1: to provide leadership training for all women councillors
* Project 2: to provide networking opportunities for women in government to
discuss and share issues of general interest.
Date: 23 August 2006
Time: 16h00
Venue: Cape Town International Convention Centre
Enquiries:
Vusi Tshose
Tel: (021) 483 4466
Fax: (021) 483 3888
Cell: 083 581 5265
E-mail: vtshose@pgwc.gov.za
Issued by: Ministry of Local Government and Housing, Western Cape Provincial
Government
22 August 2006
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za)
