Poll Boost for Women
By Razina Munshi

June 22, 2005 – (Business Day Johannesburg) The South African Local Government Association (Salga) has committed itself to ensuring that women make up 50% of the candidates for the coming local government elections, in line with government's gender empowerment programme.

According to the association's local government gender audit report, there were only 18 female municipal managers out of the 284 in SA last year.

The audit report also showed that less than 30% of councillors were women.

Women were underrepresented in local government both in the political and administration wings of government municipalities, the organisation said.

"Representation that does not reflect the demographics of the country is unacceptable," said Salga spokesman Mbangwa Xaba.

The commitment -- dubbed the Benoni declaration -- is the outcome of a two-day Women in Local Government Summit, a joint effort by municipal mayors, councillors and the provincial and local government department.

"The declaration and its plan of action are crucial to ensure gender equality in local government," Xaba said.

He said the association would partner with government, business, civil society groups and donor agencies to drive this and would also lobby political parties to ensure the 50% female representation.

From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200506220617.html