Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
4 July 2002
South Africa, on Wednesday, 3rd July 2002 became a Party to the Protocol relating to the Pan-African Parliament when the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Dlamini Zuma, deposited an Instrument of Ratification with the Secretary- General of the OAU, in Durban.
The Pan-African Parliament is the embodiment of a vision of the African Heads of State and Government to provide a common platform for African people and their grass-roots organisations to be more involved in discussions and decision-making on the problems and challenges facing the Continent.
When it is established, the Pan-African Parliament will be comprised of 5 members of each national parliament of the Member States (at least one of whom must be a woman). It will advise and consult with the other organs of the African Union. It will promote the objectives of the African Union, including the promotion of human rights and democracy, good governance, transparency and peace security and stability in Africa.
The establishment of a Pan-African Parliament is one of the important steps in establishing the African Union, which is to be launched in South Africa, Durban at the Summit meeting of African Heads of State and Government from 8 - 10 July 2002.
For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.