ADVANCING GOVERNMENT FOREIGN POLICY
Mr Mahlangu (left) and Mr Sisulu meet the Governor of Bangalore.
The establishment of the PAP is informed by a vision to provide a common platform for the African people and their grassroots organisations to be more involved in discussions and decisions on the problems and challenges facing the continent. South Africa being the host country makes a contribution of about R65 million per annum toward the running of the PAP.
The PAP is still a fledgling organization; but from 2004 it has steadily progressed in freely debating concerns of Africa. The capacity and content has increased and the PAP is set to evolve into a strong, disciplined and democratic institution with good governance.
Engaging with the Inter- Parliamentary Union The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) was established in 1889 as an association of individual Parliamentarians. Since then it has transformed into an international organization of Parliaments of
sovereign states, working for peace and co-operation among people and the firm establishment of representative democracy. Furthermore, it is the only organization that represents the legislative branch of states on a global scale. The IPU has six main areas of activity: representative democracy, international peace and security, sustainable development, human rights and humanitarian law, women in politics, and education, science and culture.
The IPU currently comprises 162 member states and 10 associate members. The Republic of South Africa became affiliated to the IPU in 1994.
Currently Hon. Max Sisulu, MP, Speaker of the National Assembly, is the leader of the South African delegation to the IPU.
South Africa actively participates in all the assemblies and coinciding meetings of the IPU. The House Chairperson and the Focus Group on the IPU attend all meetings. The
IPU’s constructive connection with the United Nations (UN) gives its resolutions more bite in taking issues to and resolving them at the UN.
The Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum The SADC Parliamentary Forum is a regional organization in its own right linked to SADC. According to its constitution, it is a parliamentary consultative assembly striving to involve people and parties in SADC in the regional integration process. Among other things, it aims to strengthen SADC implementation capacity by involving Parliamentarians and non-governmental organizations in SADC activities, promoting the principles of human rights and democracy and educating people on SADC.
SADC-PF is considered one of the most important structures in the region as it brings national Parliaments together across party lines and is the region’s only forum
that brings together political parties across national boundaries. It is also striving to become a fully-fledged regional Parliament but is facing some hurdles in achieving this. The Speaker of the National Assembly leads the South African Parliament’s delegation to the SADC-PF. South Africa also works with non-governmental organizations that are linked to Parliaments such as the Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA), the Globe Institution on Climate Change, IBSA Parliamentary Forum and we are preparing to establish the BRICS Parliamentary Forum.
South Africa has since 1994 achieved much in its international relations – still much remains to be done to secure peace and security in Africa and the world.
Lastly, the United Nations (UN) as it is now must be reformed to provide for all nations, big and small. To this end, a strong and united CPA will be able to make a difference by working with Parliaments globally.
The Parliamentarian | 2013: Issue One - South Africa | 51
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