Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa signs reviewed Joint Declaration of Intent with Germany to boost urban development

On September 17, 2024, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa, and his German counterpart, Federal Minister of Building Ms. Klara Geywitz, signed a declaration of intent to strengthen their cooperative relations. The declaration renews the commitment to close exchange that has existed since 2013 with the first agreement.

Themes and formats of future cooperation include stronger cooperation in integrated urban development at all administrative levels and joint efforts to ensure greater public participation in urban development issues.

The signing of the reviewed Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) took place on the sidelines of the 17th Federal Congress on National Urban Development Policy in Heidelberg, Germany. Hosted by Germany's Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building (BMWSB), alongside the Conference of German Building Ministers and top city associations, the Congress aims to drive crucial conversations on the future of urban spaces.

Speaking on the signing of the reviewed JDI, Minister Hlabisa said "Signing this declaration of intent with our esteemed German colleagues marks a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership. This collaboration, which has flourished for over a decade, continues to enrich both our nations. By sharing expertise and engaging in joint efforts to enhance urban development, we are not only addressing the needs of our cities but also setting a global standard for inclusive and sustainable growth. This partnership shows how working together and learning from each other can make a big difference in improving our communities. By sharing ideas and solutions, we can create better and safer places for everyone. It's proof that when we join forces and support each other, we can build a better future for all.

Minister Geywitz also welcomed the signing of the reviewed JDI stating that, "With this declaration of intent, we are continuing the close and enriching collaboration with our South African colleagues that has lasted for over ten years. It is a joint commitment to further intensive, trusting and cordial cooperation. The exchange with South Africa - both with our partner ministry and with the municipalities and civil society - gives us valuable insights into administrative action and planning practice in South Africa. These perspectives and approaches to solutions help us a lot in our work."

In addition to an active exchange of expertise on national urban development policies and their implementation programs in Germany and South Africa, since 2016 there has been a further focus on inter-municipal learning networks between German and South African municipalities, city associations and national governments.

The current network with the cities of KwaDukuza, Nelson Mandela Bay, Stellenbosch, Mhlathuze, Bottrop, Karlsruhe, Ludwigsburg and Nuremberg deals with the question of how urban districts can be made livable and safe for everyone, especially for marginalized groups such as women and girls, and how equal access to public spaces can be ensured.

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