Press releases

• A delegation traveled to South Africa in March to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the city partnership between Aachen and Cape Town.
• The trip focused on discussing key topics for the future such as education, sustainable urban development and ecological transformation.
• "We want to further deepen the relationship and drive forward effective projects," says Cape Town's Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews.

It was more than just an official visit: it was a living expression of deep ties, shared values and genuine friendship. To mark the 25th anniversary of the town twinning between Aachen and Cape Town, a delegation led by Lord Mayor Sibylle Keupen traveled to South Africa in March. In their luggage: gratitude for the shared history and a clear commitment to a shared future.

The trip was all about the people, the visions and the projects that have connected the two cities for a quarter of a century. Representatives from administration, politics and committed members of the Aachen - Cape Town Association, which once launched the partnership, met committed colleagues, a strong civil society and plenty of ideas on how to turn solidarity into concrete change in Cape Town. A special moment: the welcome by Lord Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and the exchange with him. "This partnership is more than just a contract on paper - it is a bond between people, a driver of ideas and living proof that global cooperation starts locally: with respect, with listening and with the firm conviction that we can achieve more together," says Keupen.

A city partnership that makes a difference: from education to climate protection
The trip focused on discussing key topics for the future such as education, sustainable urban development and ecological transformation. In joint workshops and discussions with local stakeholders, we not only took stock, but above all looked ahead: "Our vibrant partnership was further strengthened by this visit. The close and friendly dialog with the city administration of Cape Town and many committed local people has shown us how important this connection is - not just for today, but for a fairer and more sustainable future," the Lord Mayor is convinced.

Cape Town's Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews emphasized: "The partnership with Aachen has already facilitated over 1,000 exchanges: from the Cape Town Climate Ticket to agricultural hubs and food gardens to educational projects. This shows how powerful cooperation across borders can be. We want to further deepen our relationship and drive forward effective projects."

A visit that touches: The SANCCOB penguin breeding station
A special highlight of the trip was the visit to the SANCCOB penguin breeding station, which cares for orphaned and injured animals with great dedication. Almost all of the participants in the Aachen delegation adopted a penguin, a symbolic sign of care and connection across continents. The Euregiozoo Aachen also supports the project with donations. Once again, it became clear that sustainability requires commitment that knows no boundaries.

Next milestone: a new memorandum of understanding in August
The existing agreement between the two cities is currently being revised with the aim of aligning the cooperation even more closely with today's challenges. The updated Memorandum of Understanding is to be signed in Aachen in August 2025: a new departure for the next 25 years.

The trip was sponsored by Engagement Global gGmbH as part of the Service Agency Communities in One World program with funds from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).