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On Tuesday, 04 October 2022, the Stellenbosch University School of Public Leadership (SPL) in partnership with the Western Cape Government and Hanns Seidel Foundation launched their annual Councillor Seasonal Schools in George.  This series of one-day workshops is facilitated by lecturers from Stellenbosch University, School of Public Leadership under the theme, 'How to maintain public accountability to ensure effective and efficient service delivery towards communities.'

The key objectives of the workshops are to provide democratic and accountable government for local communities, ensure the provision of services to communities in a sustainable manner, promote social and economic development, promote safe and healthy environments and to encourage the involvement of communities and community organisations in the affairs of local government. More Specifically the workshops aim to equip the councillors with the necessary skills to be able to perform their tasks in their respective roles. 

As custodians of the local government sphere Councillors navigating its complexities through, amongst others, resilience and partnerships. Councillors are encouraged to enjoy this learning opportunity and inform the Department, Stellenbosch University and the Hanns Seidel Foundation of any remaining learning needs that they require assistance with.

The workshops were  held in all five districts over a period of three weeks and attended by Councillors nominated from Local and District Municipalities.  These workshops form part of the Department's individual capacity building drive, to ensure improved governance, accountability to and relations between government and its citizens. Certificates of Attendance are issued to each Councillors in attendance. Topics covered at the workshop Series for October 2022, included a presentation on Public Accountability: A Local Government Perspective and The Local Government Video Series developed by the Civics Academy, which aims to explore how local government functions and how South Africans, as responsive citizens, can engage it.  

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