Stakeholders gather to discuss urban development in Mogale
The municipality hosted the annual Urban Festival which was dedicated to celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of urban life.
On October 29, Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) in collaboration with the South African Local Government Association (Salga) and Gauteng Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) hosted this year’s Gauteng City Region Urban Festival at the Centenary Hall.
MCLM communications officer Refilwe Mahlangu said this year’s festival brought together an array of stakeholders to engage in critical discussions surrounding urban development, its challenges and opportunities.
“The festival served as a multifaceted platform for raising awareness about pressing urban issues, with a strong focus on climate action and sustainable practices. It facilitated meaningful dialogue, accelerating both climate initiatives and urban transformation while celebrating successful projects and youth-led innovations that demonstrate resilience in planning. By emphasising the critical role of youth and local leadership in policymaking, the festival forged essential partnerships, fostering a collaborative approach to a sustainable urban future,” she explained.
“Urban Month presents a unique opportunity to reflect on our urban environment and envision the future we desire for our residents. It is not just a celebration but a call to action,” said new Mayor Lucky Sele in his opening speech.
He further acknowledged the numerous challenges faced by the municipality and stressed the importance of community engagement in advancing urban development and sustainability.
Sele identified key objectives for Urban Month in Mogale City, including promoting sustainable development, enhancing community engagement, celebrating local culture, and fostering collaboration among local government, businesses, NGOs and community groups to generate innovative solutions.
“We are here to explore the potential of our cities as engines of sustainable growth, inclusive development, and climate resilience. This festival unites voices from across sectors – local government, academia, community organisations, and, most importantly, our youth leaders. Together, we aim to ensure our cities are vibrant centres of opportunity for all residents,” commented Salga Gauteng Provincial Executive Committee member and MMC for Human Settlements, Meriam Mogoje.
“As the festival concluded, participants departed with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to collaborative action, reaffirming the critical importance of sustainable urban development in building resilient communities. While the successful hosting and fruitful engagements of this festival underscore the potential for ongoing dialogue and partnership in tackling the pressing challenges facing Gauteng’s urban areas, Mogale City contests on urban regeneration, homelessness and drug abuse, growing crime and other urban challenges have also once again been flagged,” Refilwe concluded.
