FOR AUDIO OF THE NCOP CHAIRPERSON, MS REFILWE MTSHWENI-TSIPANE, PLEASE CLICK: https://iono.fm/c/4704
Parliament, Tuesday, 17 June 2026 – Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, has called on African legislatures to embrace digital innovation and strengthen institutional capacity to enhance parliamentary effectiveness, transparency and citizen participation.
Ms Mtshweni-Tsipane was contributing to a plenary session on “Reforming and Developing Innovative Mechanisms and Strategies for Effective and Proactive Parliamentary Leadership in Africa’s Development” during the 19th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region, currently underway at Emperors Palace in Gauteng from 16 to 20 June 2026.
The motion was moved by the Speaker of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, Mr Segepoh Solomon Thomas and supported by the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Mr Tlohang Sekhamane.
Addressing delegates, Ms Mtshweni-Tsipane said integrating technology into parliamentary processes can significantly improve efficiency, transparency and public access to information. She noted that e-Parliament systems can provide real-time access to legislative activities and enable Parliaments to make more informed decisions through the incorporation of citizens’ views and inputs.
She further emphasised the need for legislatures to review and modernise their rules and procedures to ensure more responsive and flexible parliamentary processes that can adapt to changing circumstances. Reflecting on South Africa’s experience, she highlighted Parliament’s rollout of an e-petitioning system aimed at strengthening public participation, while noting the challenges posed by unequal access to digital infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote communities.
Ms Mtshweni-Tsipane encouraged legislatures across the continent to make deliberate investments in digital technologies and systems that will improve access to information, strengthen citizen participation, enhance record-keeping and support more effective parliamentary oversight.
The conference, jointly hosted by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa and the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, is being held under the theme: “Proactive Parliaments and Sustainable Development: An Imperative for Political Stability in Africa.” The gathering brings together Speakers, Presiding Officers and parliamentary leaders from across the CPA Africa Region to exchange experiences, strengthen parliamentary cooperation and advance democratic governance and sustainable development on the continent.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo, Spokesperson of Parliament
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