Sandton will again become the centre of attention on the continent as 5000 delegates converge to discuss various challenges facing local governments in Africa. The seventh Africities Summit will be held in the Sandton Convention Centre next week, and the City of Johannesburg sees it as an opportunity to share ideas on improving local government across the continent.Officials will include executive mayors from Africa's most influential cities such as Lagos, Accra, Dakar, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Abidjan and Kinshasa.The theme for the summit, which is held every three years and organised by the United Cities and Local Government of Africa (UCGLA), is Shaping the Future of Africa with the People. Local government authorities, ministers and government leaders, as well as African Union chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, are to attend.Joburg executive mayor Parks Tau said the city was ready to host the summit and hoped delegates would be able to share innovative ideas around challenges and developments facing the local governments.UCGLA secretary-general Jean-Pierre Elong Mbassi said 42 countries had submitted at least three local government issues for discussion.The summit follows Sandton's World Ecomobility Festival, which drew international attention. It prioritised pedestrians and public transport over private cars.South African Local Government Association CEO Xolile George said it was expected that there would be a better agenda to shape African local government...