By Mendy Mtshali and Kwanele Ntombela
The mayors of eThekwini, Bremen City, and Windhoek recently signed an agreement to collaborate on common developmental issues.
The mayor of eThekwini, Cyril Xaba, the mayor of Bremen (Germany) Andreas Bovenschulte and Windhoek (Namibia) mayor Queen Omagano Kamiti signed the Tripartite Agreement at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 26 September.
The co-operation agreement aims to tackle developmental issues in these three cities, including climate change, water and sanitation, skills development and waste management.
In welcoming the delegations from Bremen and Windhoek, Xaba expressed delight and described the day as historic for Durban.
“The work is yet to begin once our officials have detailed what the programmes are that
must be derived from the agreement that we have signed today. These programmes will
benefit the city of Durban because we will get to learn from a developed country like
Germany and we also have a lot to learn from Windhoek, and they too have a lot to learn from us,” he said.
Xaba outlined that the agreement will focus on a number of collaborations such as technological advancements, climate change, development, educational activities and existing exchanges between Durban and Bremen, aiming to strengthen these areas of co-operation.
Kamiti said collaboration between these cities in environmental management, waste management, wastewater management and climate change has been an ongoing thing despite no formal agreement in place.
She said: “The relationship between Windhoek, Bremen and Durban goes beyond formal agreements. I am inclined to mention that it is a trilateral relationship built on the power of people to people connections and shared values of solidarity, friendship and collaboration. The signing of the agreement, therefore, marks the continuation of the deeply rooted trilateral partnership.”
Kamiti further highlighted the significance of these cities working together to achieve sustainable development goals, aligning with the United Nations’ key corporate objectives.
Bovenschulte said: “Today marks the start of a new chapter, of a new phase. Therefore, let’s reach out and make a difference.”
