Program Director
CPA Africa Region President and Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of Rwanda - Rt. Hon. R Mukantabana
The Hon Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and Vice President of the CPA Africa Exco - Hon L.M. Maseko
The Chairperson of the Executive Committee and Chairperson of the NCOP of South Africa - Hon. M. J. Mahlangu
The CWP Chairperson and Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda - Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga
Rt. Hon. Speakers Present
The Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee - Sir Allan Haselhurst
Members of the Executive Committee
The Regional Treasurer - Hon. Request Muntanga
The CPA Secretary General
The Regional Secretary
Delegates and Observers
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to welcome all of you to the Gauteng Province, the seat of the cradle of humankind and the heartbeat of South Africa. As a young democracy we are humbled by the fact that the 43rdCommonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region Annual Conference is held in our country. We trust that the discussion will assist in strengthening our common pursuit for democracy, growth and development.
It has become quite clear to many of us that improvement in socio-economic conditions as a result of growth and development is predicated on good governance practices. These practices uphold and bolster the fundamental principles of transparency and accountability. In the absence of these principles, freedom and democracy tend to be compromised. This inevitably leads to the proliferation of tendencies that are disastrous to our common good as people and the continent.
Today, we are a collective of free nations who were once tied together by a common historical thread of colonial and imperialist exploitation and subjugation. But we are also a body of free and equal nations who are sharing a common desire for the establishment and deepening of democracy in our respective sovereign states. We are joined at the hip by our unquenchable thirst for growth and development which holds the possibilities for us to experience genuine freedom from the vestiges of colonial of influence.
Notwithstanding the prevailing global power relations which in the main still favour the former colonisers, we are also the victims of our own antiquated systems and structures of government. Our progression, growth and development is by and large stymied by obsolete practices and systems. In order to unleash the potential of all our people, we need to seriously consider the establishment of the systems that allow for full public participation in matters of government.
It is when people are provided with space to contribute in the crafting of programmes for growth and development that they find reason to work for a common goal. Briefly, participatory democracy works as a catalyst for the growth and development we seek. One African writer, Wole Soyinka, once cautioned: “The greatest threat to freedom is the absence of criticism.”
It is in this line of thought that the essence of democracy is captured. Democracy allows diversity and thrives as a result of pluralism in society. Those who hold different views should be encouraged to participate fully in a democracy without fear of persecution or any form of threat.
And one of the ways to entrench democracy is to have a parliamentary system that allows for effective and efficient oversight role to its committees. These committees assist in keeping the Executive on its toes by insisting on respect for accountability and transparency in the exercise of executive powers. The objective is to work for the reinforcement of oversight in our parliaments.
It is therefore quite pertinent that this conference is held under the theme: “Strengthening Legislative oversight to improve accountability, deepen democracy and consolidate growth and development in Africa”.
With this theme in mind, we must approach our deliberations in this conference with the zeal and vigour that is expected of us. Today, we have an opportunity to reflect on our common mission and change or discard that which does not help Africa and our respective countries t to achieve sustainable growth.
In conclusion, I would like to invite all of you to enjoy the hospitality that our Province has to offer. We are a Province rich with historical sites and the best entertainment centres. Please find time and pay these places a visit. Moreover, enjoy our beautiful weather and the warmth of our people.
I wish you fruitful deliberations.
Thank you.
