City of Johannesburg councillor Parks Tau, who was until recently Johannesburg mayor before his administration’s majority was overturned in local government elections, has been elected president of United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), an international body that focuses on building the capacity of local governments.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura congratulated Tau, noting that his election marked a significant development for Africa. “He will bring his enormous experience and deep knowledge of local government to bear and ensure that the voice of cities is heard in global affairs.”
The Premier added that Tau’s election came at a time when cities have become engines that drive the global economy. “The voice of African cities and those in the global South will never be silent again,” he stated.
The Premier pledged his government’s continued support to the South African Local Government Association (Salga), which Tau also chairs.
“We will continue to work with Salga to ensure that councillor Tau serves the UCLG with distinction, as he did during his tenure as the executive mayor and servant of the people in the City of Joburg,” he added.