Mayors and councillors from municipalities across South Africa are scheduled to produce broad plans to guide local government towards achieving its goals at a conference this week.

Mayors and councillors from municipalities across South Africa are scheduled to produce broad plans to guide local government towards achieving its goals at a conference this week.

The conference will pay particular attention to accelerated service delivery.

The national conference of the South African Local Government Association (Salga), which starts today in Midrand, will carry the theme: Together strengthening local government to eradicate poverty and create jobs through accelerated service delivery.

The goals in question were set in 2005, said Salga spokesman Mbangwa Xaba.

The conference, the highest decision-making body of local government, will also brainstorm practical steps to help South Africa meet the UN millennium development goals.

President Thabo Mbeki will speak to delegates today. - Sapa