The Executive Director of the Association of Palestinian Local Authorities - APLA, Mr. Abdallah Anati, participated in an official Palestinian delegation headed by H.E. Dr. Sami Hajjawi, Minister of Local Government, on an official visit to the Republic of South Africa. The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation between local government institutions in the two countries, expand opportunities for partnership and knowledge exchange, support the development of Palestinian local government units (LGUs), and promote decentralized cooperation.

During a meeting between the Palestinian delegation and South Africa’s Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr. Anati presented APLA’s multi-faceted strategic plan for 2026–2029. Both sides discussed opportunities to develop joint programmes between local government institutions in the two countries, facilitate the exchange of expertise, strengthen institutional performance and local service delivery, and create opportunities for cooperation initiatives that respond to the needs and priorities of LGUs.

As part of the visit, Mr. Anati also met with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), in the presence of its President, Mr. Bheke Stofile, and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Sithole Mbanga. The two associations agreed to activate their existing Memorandum of Understanding and develop a joint action plan focusing on strengthening partnerships between Palestinian and South African cities, exchanging information and expertise, and expanding cooperation at the regional and international levels. These efforts aim to establish sustainable cooperation relationships between LGUs in both countries.

The visit programme also included meetings and field visits to several institutions and entities working to advance local government, including the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA), the Centre for the Development of Smart Municipal Service Solutions, the Local Economic Development Agency in Tshwane, and the City of Ekurhuleni. These visits aimed to explore South African experiences and practices in developing municipal infrastructure, applying smart solutions and modern technologies to service delivery, and promoting local economic development, while identifying opportunities for cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

The Palestinian delegation included H.E. Anan Al-Atireh, Mayor of Nablus; Mr. Mahmoud Ataya, Undersecretary for Planning Affairs at the Ministry of Finance; Mr. Islam Abu Ziyad, Assistant Undersecretary for Support Departments; Ms. Hanan Jarrar, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to South Africa; Mr. Walid Abu Al-Halawa, Adviser to the Palestinian Minister of Local Government; Mr. Bashar Jumaa, Director of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) in Palestine; and Ms. Amal Odeh, Operations Manager at VNG in Palestine.

The visit forms part of APLA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen relations with peer municipal associations, coordinate international partnerships for Palestinian LGUs, and translate cooperation opportunities into practical programmes in capacity building, knowledge exchange, and city-to-city partnerships. It also reflects APLA’s commitment to developing institutional cooperation based on the needs and priorities of LGUs, contributing to stronger financial and economic capacities, improved institutional performance, and more sustainable services for citizens.