A lecturer from the University of Fort Hare congratulated a group of 26 councillors and senior officials from municipalities at a luncheon organised by SALGA in their honour in East London. The group attained Diplomas in Local Government Law and Administration on the 10 May 2013.

 

The Local Government Law and Administration programme is the brainchild of SALGA in the Eastern Cape Province. The University Of Fort Hare was approached by the organization in 2007 with a proposal to develop a certificate programme which would include both legal and public administration modules. A memorandum of understanding was signed in 2009 after the Faculty of Law accepted the proposal as they felt that this qualification would make a huge impact in developing and professionalizing the sector of Local Government. The University obtained external accreditation for this programme from the Council of Higher Education in 2012.

 

 “This is a proud moment for SALGA as this group of people will serve as examples amongst councillors and will have an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of the sector”, Provincial Executive Member, Councillor Nozibele Makanda said

 

University of Fort Hare Programme Coordinator, Actor Katurura talked about the journey he experienced with his esteemed students of law. He said it was a long journey full of challenges and that it was a union of mutual concern as both him and the students wanted to be the change that they want to see in society.

 

“You have achieved but there is still an opportunity for further learning. This is an era of lifelong learning so continue to learn”, he advised

The determination and diligence displayed by some of the students during the course was exceptional. 

 

SALGA CEO, Xolile George said the programme is part of the organisation’s broad capacity building programme aimed at enhancing the skills of its political representatives. “This will impart knowledge to those who are at the forefront of local government. The great fruits of such programmes will be reaped when we see municipalities grow in leadership, governance and accountability,” added Xolile

 

Councillors were encouraged to acquire knowledge so that their role can be played more robustly to improve the livelihood of the communities they serve. 

Councillor Bongani Salman speaking on behalf of graduates reminisced on how he used to sympathise with the lecturers most of the time as theirs was not an easy class to handle. It was a large group of people with different personalities, age groups and experiences.

 

“We will now be counted amongst intellectuals from now on. We have been sharpened and are ready to deliver” he concluded