SECRETARY-GENERAL


I am also sure that if Mandela lived longer, he would have urged our Commonwealth citizens to go beyond just Commonwealth Day, Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Parliaments, etc. He would have gone further to demand for a true Commonwealth position towards a global economic reform, which is equitable and fair. It is my view that the modern Commonwealth, particularly through


the Commonwealth Charter, has a lot to borrow from the practice of Nelson Mandela. To him and us, true reconciliation does not allow further practice of any sort of discrimination. Mandela’s reconciliation philosophy leaves no chance for former colonial masters to behave arrogantly and with disregard to fellow Commonwealth citizens; it simply means building respectful partnerships between individuals and countries.


I expect that the real Commonwealth Values – the Mandela model – will be used to truly redress and repair the effects of the apartheid regime in South Africa. This means tackling extreme poverty, hunger, education and health services, housing and basic sanitation. The Mandela model would


demand for future anti-conflict strategies, such as, where there is land, gold, oil, or other riches, for


ordinary citizens to benefit too. It is my clear conviction that this is one area where the modern Commonwealth should focus its contribution in the next decade and beyond, with a full reflection of what Nelson Mandela tirelessly worked for in his life of almost a century. It is my greatest hope and that


the future of South Africa will closely continue to rely on the ideals of its legendary former leader.


Commonwealth gallery


Mr Joe Preston, MP, (right) and Senator Raynell Andreychuk (left) from Canada, visiting CPA HQ in March.


VIEW FROM THE


The delegation of parliamentary staff from North-West Province, South Africa.


The Parliamentarian | 2014: Issue One | 13


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72