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Parliament, Monday 13 August 2012 – The Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom (UK) arrived on Sunday for the first such official visit to the fourth Parliament.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Mr Bercow will meet with National Assembly (NA) Speaker Mr Max Sisulu, National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chairperson Mr Mninwa Mahlangu, Deputy NA Speaker Ms Nomaindia Mfeketo and Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP Ms Thandi Memela.

Arrangements have also been made for Mr Bercow to meet Ms Lindiwe Mazibuko, Parliamentary leader of the Democratic Alliance, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party, and Mr Mosioua Lekota, leader of the Congress of the People.

A number of Committee Chairpersons will also be part of the engagements on Tuesday and Wednesday. They are:

• Mrs F Hajaig, NA House Chairperson for International Relations
• Mr CT Frolick, NA House Chairperson for Committees, Oversight and ICT
• Mr MB Skosana, NA House Chairperson for Internal Arrangements
• Mr Mr HT Magama, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation
• Adv I Malale, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education
• Ms H Malgas, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education
• Dr N Ngcobo, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Science & Technology
• Adv J De Lange, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Water & Environmental Affairs
• Mr PS Sizani, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Rural Development Ms DM Ramodibe, Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Women, Children and People with Disabilities
• Ms NW Magadla, House Chairperson for International Relations in the NCOP
• Mr RJ Tau, MP, House Chairperson for Committees in the NCOP

Discussions during the visit will focus on Parliamentary processes, mandates and roles.

Areas of cooperation between South Africa and the UK cover agriculture, arts and culture, defence and military veterans, education, health, home affairs, treasury, police, science and technology, sport and recreation, tourism, trade and industry, water and environmental affairs. The SA-UK Bilateral Forum is the structured mechanism through which relations between the two countries is conducted.

A number of high level visits between South Africa and the UK have occurred over the past three years - testimony to our strong bilateral relations with the UK.