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The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) will host the SALGA Women’s Commission (SWC) National Elective Lekgotla and Masterclass Series from 26 to 27 September 2024 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. This important gathering will provide a platform for local government leaders and stakeholders to reflect on the journey of women’s representation, participation, and leadership in local government over the past 30 years.

To be convened under the theme “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy Towards Women’s Development in Local Government”, this year’s Lekgotla is part of the national commemoration of 30 years of democracy in South Africa and aligns with the broader agenda of women’s empowerment. The event will serve as a space to assess progress made in gender equality, celebrate the achievements of women in local government, and address the remaining challenges to fully realizing gender parity in governance structures.

During the opening ceremony, SALGA President, Cllr Bheke Stofile, will deliver a special address, while the Deputy Minister of the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, is expected to give the keynote address.

SALGA Deputy President and Acting SWC National Chairperson, Cllr Flora Maboa-Boltman says: “This Lekgotla is an opportunity to celebrate the strides we’ve made towards gender equality in local government, while also reflecting on the challenges that still lie ahead. Women have been at the forefront of transforming local governance, and as we mark 30 years of democracy, it’s essential that we continue to push for inclusive, gender-responsive governance.”

The event is expected to draw about 500 delegates, including SWC Provincial Chairpersons from all nine provinces, women leaders of the SALGA’s National and Provincial Executive Committees, municipal representatives, including Chairpersons of Multi-Party Women Caucuses, women speakers, and councillors, stakeholders from national and provincial government departments, civil society organisations, and the private sector.

Discussions and panels will cover key topics, including: Women’s role in strengthening democracy at the local level, a 30-year retrospective on women’s representation and participation in local government, strategies for inclusive development and addressing gender-based violence, and the nomination and election of the new SWC National Chairperson.

“The two-day programme of the Lekgotla will, among others, reflect on the representation and participation of women in local government over the past three decades, highlight progress in the implementation of resolutions and the SWC Programme of Action, share good practices in gender mainstreaming and women empowerment programmes within municipalities, equip female councillors and leaders with skills to promote gender-responsive governance, and elect the new National Chairperson for the SALGA Women’s Commission,” says Cllr Flora Maboa-Boltman.

Additionally, the Local Government Women Leadership Development Programme (LGWLDP) will be highlighted as part of the Lekgotla’s agenda. This programme, developed by SALGA in 2018, aims to empower women councillors and municipal managers with leadership skills necessary for effective governance and societal betterment.

Issued by South African Local Government Association