Mogale City is strengthening its position on the international stage following another high-profile visit from the Swedish International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD), which arrived on a follow-up mission to assess the growing partnership between Mogale City and Falun Municipality.
This collaboration, launched in 2021, focuses on strengthening local governance, advancing sustainable development, and placing young people at the centre of civic participation and decision-making. The visit unfolded through a structured three-part engagement led by the municipality’s Cooperative Governance Division. Proceedings began with a steering group session, followed by engagements with project coordinators, and concluded with a vibrant and candid discussion involving the Junior Student Council (JSC).
ICLD External Evaluator, Marie Nilsson, noted that the organisation is travelling globally to assess the impact of its partnership programmes and to better understand how these collaborations are functioning on the ground.
Members of the JSC, who are at the heart of this partnership, demonstrated confidence and clarity as they shared how the transformative programme has empowered young people to represent their peers, drive social change, organise school and community initiatives, and promote leadership, safety, and active citizenship.
Municipal leadership, including PR Councillor Tyrone Grey and Chief Whip Tsholofelo Ramaisa, has strongly endorsed the collaboration, affirming its role in addressing challenges related to low youth participation through meaningful engagement and partnership.
Executive Mayor Lucky Sele has also pledged a dedicated budget to ensure the sustainability of the JSC beyond the lifespan of the formal project, underscoring the municipality’s commitment to institutionalising youth participation and sustaining the progress achieved through the partnership.
Overall, ICLD acknowledged the relevance and impact of the Mogale City–Falun partnership, recognising it as a strong example of how international cooperation can drive meaningful local change. From classrooms to council chambers, Mogale City’s youth are increasingly taking centre stage, shaping a more inclusive and participatory future.