BuaNews (Tshwane)
5 November 2007
Johannesburg — The City of Johannesburg's Executive Mayor, Amos Masondo, has been appointment as co-president of the United Cities of Local Government (UCLG).
The UCLG is the world body of cities and national associations of local governments.
Mayor Masondo's new appointment was announced over the weekend at the second UCLG World Congress, held on the island of Jeju, in South Korea.
Mr Masondo will be part of a five-person presidency representing the five regions that constitute the UCLG.
Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa congratulated Mr Masondo on his appointment saying it "further enhances and pays tribute to Gauteng's position as a global city region, capable of producing world leaders of the highest caliber."
Mayor Masondo's new position, the premier said provides him with an opportunity to play a pivotal role in maximising the impact of service delivery initiatives, to stimulate the economy, create jobs, reduce poverty and unemployment and ensure that Gauteng truly becomes a better place in which to live.
Founded in May 2004 and headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, the UCLG counts 136 countries among the 191 United Nations member states.
It is the voice of local government on the world stage and an advocate of democratic local self-government.
Its programme of action includes increasing the role and influence of local government and its representatives, promoting democratic, effective and innovative local government close to the people.
The body's work also entails facilitating programmes, networks and partnerships to build the capacity of local government, promoting the role of women in local decision-making, and serving as a gateway to relevant information on local government across the world.
The UCLG World Congress offers an opportunity for mayors and local and regional government representatives to meet colleagues from around the world and to interact with actors from both the private sector and international institutions.
It is also the forum for members to elect the governing bodies and UCLG Presidency, collectively examine key issues and set the agenda for the next three years and beyond.
Through his co-presidency of the UCLG, Mr Masondo aims to draw attention to Africa's environmental and urbanisation challenges, decentralisation, city diplomacy, local government and gender.
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