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Bavaria–Western Cape Partnership
How can local governments drive sustainable economic growth and create jobs?

That was one of the key questions discussed at this year's Western Cape multi-party Seasonal School for Councillors under the theme "Economic Governance and Local Economic Development: The Strategic Role of Municipal Councillors in Advancing Developmental Local Government"

Man speaking: Thomas Huber, Member of the Bavarian State Parliament, during his engaging address at the Seasonal School for Councillors

Thomas Huber, Member of the Bavarian State Parliament, during his engaging address at the Seasonal School for Councillors

HSF

As part of this year's Seasonal School for Councillors, jointly organised by the Hanns Seidel Foundation, the Western Cape Government,  and the School of Public Leadership at Stellenbosch University, Thomas Huber, Member of the Bavarian State Parliament and long-serving municipal and district councillor, shared his practical experience from Bavaria with more than 100 South African local councillors and mayors from across the Western Cape.
 

Slide: "Economic Governance and Local Economic Development: The Strategic Role of Municipal Councillors in Advancing Developmental Local Government" - That was the theme of this year's multi-party Seasonal School for Councillors

"Economic Governance and Local Economic Development: The Strategic Role of Municipal Councillors in Advancing Developmental Local Government" - That was the theme of this year's multi-party Seasonal School for Councillors

HSF

The discussions focused on practical approaches to regional economic development—from long-term land-use planning and support for start-ups to investment in critical infrastructure and inter-municipal cooperation to create an enabling environment for investment.

The continuous exchange between Bavaria, the Hanns Seidel Foundation and the Western Cape reflects a trusted partnership of more than 30 years. It demonstrates how mutual learning helps strengthen local governance, attract investment, and create sustainable employment opportunities.
 

2 People: Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer, Thomas Huber, Member of the Bavarian State Parliament, and Anton Bredell, Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer, Thomas Huber, Member of the Bavarian State Parliament, and Anton Bredell, Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning

HSF

During bilateral discussions with the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, and the Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, Thomas Huber, Member of the Bavarian State Parliament, discussed political priorities such as reduction in bureaucracy from the perspective of his municipality and district, as well as their practical and sustainable implementation.
 

Group outside: Participants in the 2-Day Councillor School

Participants in the 2-Day Councillor School

HSF

At the heart of the discussions was the determination to promote economic growth and job creation through targeted investments in infrastructure, digitalisation, energy supply, and strategic local development.

The exchange of successful approaches to local government and regional development in Bavaria and South Africa makes an important contribution to achieving these objectives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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