MEDIA INVITATION
18/11/2010
RE: LAUNCH OF MUNICIPAL INSTITUTE OF LEARNING
For the first time in the history of local government on the continent, a municipality has had the vision to establish an institution dedicated solely to enhance the capacity of local government practitioners. The Municipal Institute of Learning (MILE) is an initiative of eThekwini Municipality and is focussed on ensuring that practitioners in Africa have the tools to be able to deal with the daily challenges that face them as officials. In addition to enhancing practitioner capacity through Master Classes and Learning Exchanges, the MILE is helping local universities in Durban to collaborate with the eThekwini Municipality.
Over the years the three universities in the City have not co-ordinated their efforts and energy, and whilst they have partnered on some research projects, these were done on a piecemeal, adhoc basis. All this is now set to change with the historic signing of a Memorandum of Agreement to strengthen the city with tertiary collaborations with the Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology, and University of Kwa-Zulu Natal.
This memorandum of agreement provides a strategic framework intended to strengthen the interface between our academic partners and local government practitioners so that jointly we can position Durban as a city of learning. The areas of collaboration include research, sharing of knowledge, resources and expertise, human capital development, mutual support, joint publications as well as harnessing of networks.
Media are cordially invited to this Lunch Time event with the Mayor Councillor Obed Mlaba, City Manager, Dr Michael Sutcliffe and Chancellors of the Universities. At the event, MILE will be officially launched and the MOA between the parties signed.
Launch details:
Date: 30 November 2010
Time: 12h30 - 14h30
Venue: Albert Luthuli Hall, Durban City Hall
ENDS
Issued by the eThekwini Municipality, Communications Unit.