A tale of two cities
and one common goal
By Tabisa Mntengwana
24 October 2008
BUFFALO City, together with the City of Leiden, celebrate 10 years of sister city partnership from 16 to 21 November.
THE relationship, which began in 1998 by former East London Mayor Lulamile Nazo, has boomed over the years with various projects brought by the Dutch including learnerships, internships and study tours.
According to international relations officer, Darby Gounden, the partnership is aimed at building houses encouraging community spirit, strengthening local government and exchanging expertise.
“This is an opportunity for both cities to interact and share ideas and experiences,” added Gounden.
The week-long celebrations include activities such as a fashion show, exhibitions, visits to various orphanages and schools and the launch of a new sports field in Amalinda.
“The relationship is also set to build long-term investments in partnerships and give assistance with specifically identified components of the Integrated Development Plan in Buffalo City,” said Gounden.
The main focus will be gender issues, health, education housing and economic development.
“This is our chance as Buffalo City to learn from the Dutch while they are here so that one day we will also be able to change other people’s lives, like they are doing for us,” she said.
Other duel partnership projects include; HIV/Aids initiatives, a solid waste programme and a storm water management initiative. The latter was launched in 2006 with the aim to clean streets and streams.
The project will also manage water quality by cleaning up the storm water system and rehabilitating the land between floodlines.
The solid waste project has already started with a two-week clean-up and campaigns to encourage the Duncan Village community to use waste drop-off posts. The HIV/Aids project kicked off in 2003 and is still changing lives.
Contact us:
