A Swedish initiative aims to capacitate females in politics.
Female councillors from Newcastle, as well as senior female staff could benefit from this trip, organised by the Swedish International Centre for Local Democracy (SICLD).
Mayor, Afzul Rehman explained earlier this month the SICLD would cover all costs apart from the Visa, a small stipend and travel to Johannesburg, from whence a flight would depart.
“Women have to apply and the suggestion is that we allow all female councillors to apply for now,” said Cllr Rehman, reading from a circular by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).
Once a list of potential candidates was in hand, Cllr Rehman said cost implications would be discussed by Exco, and candidates be identified.
“This is a good project, especially because the Swedish Government is covering the costs.”
It was resolved by Exco that the CoGTA circular be noted, and female councillors could apply, pending resubmission of the item to Exco at a later date.
