With the country just weeks away from the 03 August local government elections, it is an opportune moment to launch the 2016 State of the South African Cities Report (SOCR). Published by the South African Cities Network (SACN) every five years, the State of the Cities Report gives an overview of the performance of the country’s largest cities.
On 05 December 2015, South Africa marked 15 years of democratic local government and the SOCR reflects on this important journey of local government as well as the 20 years of democracy. With more than 60 percent of South Africa’s population now living in urban areas, the report takes on even greater significance.
The 2011 State of the Cities Report highlighted the need to focus on a more coherent approach to urbanisation. This led to the development of the Integrated Urban Development Framework (IUDF), which was approved by Cabinet less than two months ago. The IUDF offers a New Deal for South Africa's towns and cities, in line with the National Development Plan.
We believe the 2016 State of the Cities Report will also contribute to ensuring effective and well- functioning municipalities by providing a vital guide in addressing the challenges our cities face, as we move South Africa forward to the ideals envisaged in the National Development Plan.
Importantly, for citizens it highlights the role of cities in driving the local and national development agenda and unpacks how cities are working towards being better, more inclusive and productive places, for those who live in it.
Both the Minister and the Deputy Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs will be attending the conference. The Deputy Minister Andries Nel, will be part of the SACN media briefing on 22 June 2016. The Media Briefing will then be followed by a more interactive and informal session attended by Minister Des van Rooyen.
As CoGTA we believe this report will assist policy-makers and other sectors to shape the work of government in this sphere as we hold our cities to be crucial drivers of our country’s growth and development.
Further details on the launch can be found here: http://www.socr.co.za/
Enquiries:
Legadima Leso
Cell: 083 378 9495
