Parliament, Monday 5 November 2018 – Following her participation at the successful meetings of the Heads of Parliaments of the G20 countries in Buenos Aires, Argentina, NCOP Chairperson Ms Thandi Modise has just arrived in the Chilean capital, Santiago de Chile, where she will address a sitting of that country’s House of Parliament, Chamber of Deputies, in Valparaiso tomorrow, 6 November 2018.
Ms Modise has been invited by the Chamber of Deputies, one of the Houses of the Parliament of the Republic of Chile, to address its special sitting in honour of South Africa’s founding democratic President, Mr Nelson Mandela. An invitation to address a special sitting of Parliament is historic as it is one of the greatest honours accorded to a foreign visiting dignitary. Former President Thabo Mbeki addressed a special sitting of the Chilean Senate in 2005.
The NCOP Chairperson will, just before her address to the Chilean legislators, be bestowed with the Decoration of the Chamber of Deputies of Chile by the Vice President of the Chamber, His Excellency Mr Jaime Mulet. The “Decoration of Deputies of Chile” is a public recognition awarded to the highest authorities by virtue of the positions they represent and Chileans and foreigners for their distinguished service.
A ceremony in the morning, which includes official welcoming and a photo exhibition, will precede the special sitting of the House. The NCOP Chairperson will participate and make remarks at the inauguration of the Nelson Mandela Photo Exhibition organized by the Parliament of Chile at its precincts. The photo exhibition documents the life and times of Madiba, including his early life as a political activist, the Rivonia Trial, incarceration at Robben Island, historic release from prison, Codesa, his presidency and retirement.
Ms Modise’s invitation to address the Chilean Parliament forms part of this year's commemoration of the centenary birthdays of Madiba and Mama Albertina Sisulu by South Africa together with the international community, and will further strengthen the relations between the two sister nations and their legislative arms.
Note to Editors: A voice clip of Parliament Spokesperson on this matter can be downloaded here: https://wetransfer.com/downloads/2a1ae11c9f5702f60e45cf6dd31c907e20181105105806/532ed1578b2d47d493d02d1688c4887b20181105105807/56c187
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