The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) hosted the Ninth Senate Delegation, its Polish counterparts, at Parliament today. This follows the NCOP’s visit to the Polish Parliament in September last year. Before the bilateral meeting took place, the Polish delegation went to lay a wreath at Mandela’s bust as a sign of respect for his contribution to South Africa’s democratic constitutionalism. Thereafter, the bilateral talks resumed, they touched on wide-ranging issues from the shared recent history of the two countries, the inception of education exchange programmes, advocacy for peace and security in their respective regions and the world, to the much-needed economic ties that could help change the fiscal fortunes of this country in the future.  

Exchanging fond pleasantries, the Chairperson of the NCOP, Ms Thandi Modise, stated that the NCOP delegation was more than happy to receive its Polish counterparts. And not for losing contact following their visit in Poland. “When we met in Poland we discussed the mutual interests of both countries on international affairs. And how we can strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.”

Her Polish counterpart, Mr Stanislaw Karczewski, the Marshall of the Ninth Senate, complimented her reception. “Thank you for extending your invitation to us. We have been warmly received since we arrived in this country. And we hope our meeting will be as fruitful as the one we had in Poland – and will strengthen our bilateral relations even further.

“Your unwavering support of our bid to be part of the United Nations (UN) Security Council is a proof to that, he said. Poland is now a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Thank you for your support,” he said.

He promised that Poland will also support South Africa’s bid to be the members of the UN Security Council in 2022.

In her response, Ms Modise said as much as South Africa was excited that Poland’s bid was successful, but also it was not right that Africa – a continent this big, that has gone through the most horrific chapter of human history – has no representation in the UN Security Council. “The world cannot ignore the call for Africa’s seat in the UN Security Council. Whether we get a permanent or non-permanent status, what matters is that Africa deserves a seat in this council. This council cannot continue to disregard the strategic position in international affairs – whether politically, economically or otherwise,” she said.

She also raised a concern about the sluggish state of South African economy which brought to bear various forms of hardship. He urged her counterpart to find ways of establishing sound agricultural ties between the two countries to strengthen the economic yield of the South African agricultural sector, which has a huge contribution to our economy. But also how to manage our land reforms more effectively, she said.

“We are keen to learn about how you manage your agricultural sector. And what we can learn from you to manage our land reforms that are equitable and more acceptable. Because we want to make sure when we give people land, they are prepared to make it more productive.”

Mr Karczewski responded that they would like to have strong agricultural ties with South Africa because that is the area that is invested with expertise in their country. “Due our investment in agriculture, we now have healthy ecological products and a well-developed agro-processing machinery and expertise. This is one area that could yield a successful cooperation between out countries.”

Education was identified as another area that could yield successful cooperation between the two countries. Ms Modise was quick to state that education is a concern in South Africa and there is a view that we don’t get value for the investment we make in it. “We invest 8.6% of our GDP (gross domestic product) in education and there are concerns that we are not getting a return for our investment. I will be happy if we can have such an exchange so that we can improve our education.”

Ms Modise also urged that the two Parliaments should use their international forums to agitate for accountability from the executive. She cited the oversight role that Parliament plays in matters relating to Brazil, Russia, Indian, China and South Africa (Brics). “We have now resolved that we need to hold the executive accountable about our countries’ investment in Brics. Because the money invested there is people’s money. In other words, we now assume full-time oversight responsibility over international agreements that the executive enters into on behalf of our country.”

When we visited the Solidarity Museum, noted Ms Modise, we were touched by what we saw. Our countries seem to have a shared history and we must both be careful about how our foreign policies impact on our people. She added that the Polish delegation visited South Africa at a time when the country was celebrating the elastic legacy of OR Tambo, a teacher, a preacher, a lawyer and a freedom fighter, whose unyielding conviction epitomises what our country has gone through.

Responding to Ms Modise’s observation, Mr Karczewski concurred that South African and Polish histories bear many similarities. “Our histories share many similarities. And given what we have gone through, it is wise to exercise sensitivity and bear in mind that our focus in whatever we do in our Parliament is the individual human being. We truly cherish our freedom and exercise it with the greatest of care.”

This humanitarian care is at the heart of both our foreign policies and our concern for world security. This is reflected in our policy on immigration perpetuated by terrorism and other human strives, he said. “Poland is one of the countries in Europe that have a high number of immigrants. Last year we had 60% of economic immigrants within our borders. And the Polish government contributes to various funds aimed at humanitarian work and easing civil strife.”

The Chairperson of the NCOP concluded by stating that both Parliaments should ensure that democracy prevails in their respective countries. “The best we can do is to listen to what the people are saying and demand of us as Parliamentarians. Also, we should show regard to the quality of our discussions rather than to political affiliation. That is what democracy is all about.”   

By Abel Mputing

16 November 2017