THE MEC FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND HOUSING IN THE WESTERN CAPE, QUBUDILE RICHARD 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 have 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% (253) entry of Women into Local Government within the Western Cape.

The Women in Local Government Conference taking place on the 23rd and 24th August 2006, will be graced by Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mrs Phumzile Mlambo- Ngcuka who will deliver a keynote address, the Premier of the Western Cape, 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 UN General Assembly, which reviewed the Beijing Platform of Action, and in March 2002, South Africa became the 11th country to adopt the campaign representation by 2005.

After the Local Government elections in March 2006, our female councillor representation has increased to 34.22% at Local Government level in the Western Cape. These are newly elected individuals that will need assistance with building their governance skills in the Organisations / 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 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, viz:
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.

ALL MEDIA IS INVITED TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE.