Buffalo City Executive Mayor Zintle Peter was elected new chairperson of the South African Cities Network (SACN) at the annual general meeting in Cape Town on Wednesday, October 24, 2007. She replaces outgoing chairperson Andrew Boraine. The SACN is an established network of South African cities and partners that encourages the exchange of information, experience and best practices on urban development and city management. SACN comprises of nine member cities namely Buffalo City, Cape Town, Ekurhuleni, eThekweni, Johannesburg, Mangaung, Msunduzi, Nelson Mandela Metro and Tshwane.

Accepting her new responsibility Peter said: "I am a little bit overwhelmed by the fact that this is a big responsibility. But I am also proud and excited, because I think the Cities Network plays a very important role as a structure that seeks to define and represent the interests of our major and secondary cities in the country."

Peter's appointment gives recognition to the critical role that secondary cities play in shaping the country's urban development and city management.

"I take my election also as a recognition of the fact the secondary cities will continue a critical role, particularly in regional economies such as the Eastern Cape, said Peter, adding that her election represented an opportunity to take forward the cities' collective vision and agenda to build a new future for our cities that is more inclusive, productive and sustainable.

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Issued by: Communications Department
Tel: 043- 705 1123
Fax: 043- 7224791
Email:darbyg@buffalocity.gov.za