Hebron Municipality welcomed the South African governmental delegation, which expressed support and sympathy with the Palestinian people and government as they stand side by side to support their issues and legitimate right to freedom, self-determination and the establishment of PalestinianState by ending the Israeli occupation. They have also expressed their belief in the conviction ability of the Palestinian people to achieve prosperity and development in various fields of life as of the abilities they attain.

This came during a meeting which was held on the 2^nd of novemeber 2013, which was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Hebron Municipality Prof. Jawdi Abu Sneineh, Minister of Culture Dr. Anwar Abu Aisha, Director General of Development and Lending Fund municipalities Abdul Mughni Nofal, members of the municipal council, and representatives from the Ministry of Local Government and German cooperation GIZ. The delegation was headed by Ms Shanaaz Majiet Deputy Director General of Provincial Municipal Government Support (PMGS) and included a number of officials and experts in the South African government.

Prof. Jawdi explained the history of Palestine and the conditions experienced by Hebron the second oldest city in the world proved by historical references, archaeological discoveries in the city and ethnic groups that inhabited and settled in the city.

He also illustrated the political situation and the violations committed against the population by the Israeli occupation authorities and settlers.

In addition, he explained the insistence of the Hebron municipality to provide services to all areas of the city, despite the difficulties and security measures imposed by the Israeli occupation authorities on the citizens of the city and HebronMunicipality working crews, which account for more than about 35 % of the city.

Furthermore, Deputy mayor of Hebron, thanked South African people and leadership for their humanity and sympathy with the Palestinian people and their just cause referring to the policy of apartheid that was practiced against black people in South Africa, and linking it to what is happening in the city of Hebron by closing the streets and preventing the Palestinians but allowing settlers to use them.

Lastly, Prof. Jawdi requested the delegation to work on cooperation in exchange of experiences in the development of human resources and work on the implementation of the twinning agreements between the city of Hebron and South African cities to strengthen cooperation and achieve the benefits.

Ms Majiet confirmed on the general policy of her Government to provide all forms of assistance and cooperation to the State of Palestine and its institutions, indicating that the visit to Palestine brought more understanding of the reality of the Palestinian cause and the situation of Palestinian people.

Ms Majiet expressed her willingness to help in all areas of cooperation and to transfer the real image of the situation and the observations of what is happening in Hebron to the Government and people. And reassuring her support to the bonds of cooperation and joint action in the aspects that lead toward the development of the institutions of the Palestinian people and the development in different sectors.