governance at a three-day conference in Birchwood Conference Centre, Boksburg,
28 - 31 January 2006
26 January 2006
As signatory to the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and member of the
African Union (AU), South Africa has begun its self-assessment process.
The process is to ensure that its policies and practices conform to the
agreed values, codes and standards contained in the Declaration of Democracy,
Political, Economic and Corporate Governance.
The APRM is the mutually agreed African instrument for self-monitoring by
participating Member States of the AU. It was approved by the New Partnership
for Africaâs Development (NEPAD) Heads of State and Government and
Implementation Committee and endorsed by the AU Summit in Durban in July
2002.
The primary purpose of the APRM was and is still is, to foster the adoption
of policies, standards and practices that lead to political stability, high
economic growth, sustainable development and accelerated sub-regional and
continental economic integration through sharing of experience and
reinforcement of successful and best practice, including identifying
deficiencies and assessing the needs for capacity building.
So far four out of 23 African countries - Malawi, Mauritius, Ghana and Kenya
- have done the peer review. It is now South Africa's turn to review its needs
and challenges. The country's report will include contributions from trade
unions, media, academics, communities and government institutions at different
fore in all provinces.
Countries are supposed to assess themselves on political, economic,
corporate governance and development.
The South African Women in Dialogue Forum (SAWID), in support of government
gender policies, will also evaluate itself this weekend to ensure democratic
and transparent practices within the forums and record challenges faced by
women organisations and women movements in the country.
SAWID brings together women from all walks of life by providing a platform
to facilitate discussion and commitment to AU institutions and development
programmes, especially NEPAD which seeks to address poverty and
under-development on the continent.
At least 500 women from different non-governmental (NGOs) and
community-based organisations (CBOs) are expected to participate in the
self-assessment process to be held at Birchwood Conference Centre, Boksburg
from 28-31 January 2006.
Their participation as members of the parliament, communities and gender
activists is to ensure that women continue to play an active and meaningful
role in strengthening the country's democracy and governance.
Expected to address the forum will be the President of the Pan African
Parliament, Ms Getrude Mongela.
At the end of the workshop, a report will be compiled and submitted directly
to the Chairperson of the APRM Governing Council: Minister Fraser-Moleketi.
On Sunday, 500 women led by the first Lady, female Ministers and gender
activists will participate in a 2,5 km march in Boksburg to promote healthy
lifestyles. Screenings for diabetes, high blood, etc will also be conducted
during the conference.
The media is invited to attend.
Enquiries:
Media Liaison Officers
Baby Tyawa
Tel: (012) 314 2164/0
Cell: 083 302 7657
Charity Bhengu
Tel: (012) 312 0420
Cell: 083 679 7424
Issued by: South African Women in Dialogue Forum
26 January 2006
