South Africa will host the 19th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth Africa Region starting Monday. The event runs until Saturday under the theme of proactive parliaments and sustainable development. Parliamentary leaders from across the continent are expected to address governance, sustainable development and political stability.
The conference is hosted jointly by Parliament and the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature Morakane Mosupyoe described the gathering as a historic moment.
Mosupyoe noted that it marks the first time a sub-national legislature at this level has been permitted to host the event. She credited meetings chaired by the Secretary and the Chairperson for securing the opportunity alongside the NCOP.
National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane addressed concerns over illegal immigration. She said organisers will ensure executive strategies are implemented and their impact assessed, with gaps closed to promote harmony across the SADC and African regions.