Vision of the Intergovernmental Relations Unit
The unit is responsible for developing, promoting and implementing all the international, national, provincial and local strategic relationships and partnerships to ensure maximum value and effectiveness for the citizens of the eThekwini municipality, including a positive international profile of the eThekwini Municipality, in a sustainable and coordinated manner. The unit will also ensure that all its activities and programmes support the vision of the city to Africa’s most caring and livable City by 2030.
Introduction and key objectives of the IGR unit
- All municipalities in South Africa require the services of a dedicated and strategic intergovernmental and international relations programme to ensure maximum alignment, coordination and mobilisation of partners and resources to ensure the successful implementation of the IDP and vision of the municipality.
- The Municipality currently has many ongoing engagements with intergovernmental structures including national and provincial government, South African municipalities, SALGA, South African Cities Network and international local government organisations such as United Cities for Local Government and Metropolis.
- The municipality’s IGR unit is also responsible for coordinating the secretariate of the District Development Model (DDM).
- The Municipality has also developed bilateral cooperation partnerships which take different forms e.g. Sister Cities Agreements, City to City Technical Cooperation Agreements, City to City Consultative Mechanisms and other useful associations and affiliations.
- In addition, the IGR unit provides strategic protocol and international relations support to the office of the Mayor, all other office bearers and officials. This includes on-going capacity building and training for staff and office bearers on protocol and etiquette for intergovernmental and international relations.
- These relationships serve to support the Municipality’s aims and objectives as outlined in the IDP and all other legislative and constitutional prescripts of the Republic of South Africa.
- This IGR unit will focus on working with all stakeholders and external partners to ensure that the city manages and defeats the COVID 19 pandemic and adapts to the new normal.
The key focus areas of the Intergovernmental Relations Unit:
Contact Us:
- The Head of the unit is Mr. Eric Apelgren and his contact details are: E-mail: Eric.Apelgren@durban.gov.za, (031) 311 2124, cell 0643068695
- International and Donor Relations please contact: The acting Senior Manager, Mrs Thabile Mngomezulu, E-mail: Thabile.Mngomezulu@durban.gov.za, (031) 311 2049, Fax (031) 3112066.
- Intergovernmental Relations (Strategic Partnerships and External Relations - Provincial and National Government) please contact: The Senior Manager, Mrs Theo Scott, E-mail: Theo.Scott@durban.gov.za, (031) 311 2050, Fax (031) 2066.
- Africa/NEPAD Desk please contact: The Programme Manager, Ms Bongiwe Mkhize, Address 41 Margaret Mncadi Avenue (formerly known as Victoria Embankment), Rennies House 12 Floor, E-mail: Bongiwe2.Mkhize@durban.gov.za, (031) 311 2067, Fax (031) 311 2066.
- Intergovernmental Relations (Strategic Partnerships and External Relations - Organised Local government and Chapter 9 Institutions). Please contact The Senior Manager, Mr Msizi Zulu email Msizi.zulu@durban.gov.za