Parliament, Tuesday, 15 September 2026 – The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa and President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, on Monday called on Commonwealth parliamentarians to strengthen democracy, uphold international law and address global inequalities in a rapidly changing world.
Ms Mtshweni-Tsipane addressed delegates during the opening ceremony of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) currently underway in Cape Town under the theme, “Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership.” She noted that this theme was apt, as the world confronts geopolitical uncertainty, threats to democratic institutions, inequality and climate shocks.
“For South Africa, this theme resonates deeply,” she said. “Our constitutional democracy was founded on human dignity, equality, accountable governance, human rights and the rule of law. More than three decades of democracy have demonstrated that democratic governance is never complete. It requires constant renewal through effective institutions, public participation, oversight and accountability.”
The CPA President also called for a more intentional engagement with African priorities within the Commonwealth. “As the continent’s demographic, economic and geopolitical influence grows, the Commonwealth must engage more deliberately with African priorities and aspirations, including Agenda 2063,” she said. “It must also create space for honest engagement with the enduring legacies of colonialism, unequal development and persistent global inequalities.”
The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Mr Stephen Twigg, echoed this call to action. Reflecting on his own connection with South Africa, he recalled his first visit to the country in 1999 to learn about the new Constitution. He noted the significance of this year's Conference, as South Africa celebrates the 30th anniversary of that historic document.
Mr Twigg also highlighted the CPA’s transition from its former UK charitable status towards a new international legal status as an inter-parliamentary organisation. This institutional evolution, he noted, reinforces parliamentarians' unique responsibility to uphold democracy, good governance and human rights.
“We have a unique responsibility through legislation, through our oversight and representation, so that government is accountable to the people,” Mr Twigg told delegates. He encouraged delegates to use this conference to listen and demonstrate that parliamentary democracy and Commonwealth cooperation offer a more peaceful, more inclusive and more prosperous future.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
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