Tandi Mahambehlala Leads SA Delegation to Africa Urban Forum in Ethiopia

The three-day event, convened under the theme "Sustainable Urbanisation for Africa’s Transformation: Agenda 2063," was established by the African Union Commission in 2022.

Human Settlements Deputy Minister Tandi Mahambehlala is leading a South African delegation to the inaugural Africa Urban Forum, being held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 4 to 6 September 2024. The forum serves as a continental platform to promote sustainable development in human settlements across Africa.

The three-day event, convened under the theme "Sustainable Urbanisation for Africa’s Transformation: Agenda 2063," was established by the African Union Commission in 2022. It stands as the sole high-level continental platform where African nations can collaborate and coordinate their responses to the challenges of rapid urbanisation.

The forum’s objectives include elevating the importance of urbanisation as a key factor in sustainable and resilient development in Africa. It also aims to support inclusive and participatory human settlement development, essential for Africa's structural transformation and the achievement of Agenda 2063. Furthermore, the forum seeks to foster dialogue and secure commitment from Africa’s Heads of State and governments towards sustainable urbanisation.

The Department of Human Settlements noted that South Africa is not exempt from the challenges of rapid urbanisation, which has led to significant migration to urban areas in search of economic opportunities, placing pressure on the government to provide affordable housing.

Joining Deputy Minister Mahambehlala in the delegation are Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Deputy Minister Dr. Dickson Masemola, and members of the National Executive Committee of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).