Hon. Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, MP, Vice- President of the Commonwealth Parlia- mentary Association and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, South Africa
This page: Hon. Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu, MP; Opposite page: Promoting the 59th CPC Annual Conference which will be taking place in South Africa in 2013.
of Commonwealth Parliamentarians who, irrespective of gender, race, religion or culture, are united by community of interest, respect for the rule of law and individual rights and freedoms, and by pursuit of the positive ideals of parliamentary democracy. Its mission is to promote the advancement of parliamentary democracy by enhancing knowledge and understanding of democratic governance. It seeks to build an informed parliamentary community able to deepen the Commonwealth’s democratic commitment and to further co-operation among its Parliaments and Legislatures. This mission is achieved through a Strategic Plan which ensures CPA activities continue to meet the changing needs of today’s Parliamentarians. South Africa is honoured at the
opportunity to host the 59th CPA conference next year. The theme of the 58th summit,
Ensuring a Relevant Commonwealth for the Future, is in line with attempts at transforming the association so that it remains relevant for our sister countries. The global community must
be committed to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, which are:
I welcome the opportunity to address delegates on the occasion of the 58th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, here in Colombo, Sri Lanka. I hope that the conference
will give us an opportunity to reflect on issues that impact on global and country matters. Traditionally, the CPA brings
together countries with diverse social, 294 | The Parliamentarian | 2012: Issue Four
political, and economic backgrounds which are regarded as equal in status, and co-operate within a framework of common values and goals. It has long been an Association
• a) To eradicate poverty and hunger; • b) To achieve universal primary education;