Pan African Parliament’s May Ordinary Session no longer virtual

The Republic of South Africa, host country of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), has committed to hosting the 4^th Ordinary Session of the Fifth Parliament. The session will be held in-person at the Parliament’s headquarters in Midrand, from 14 to 28 May 2021. 

This follows a meeting between a delegation of the legislative arm of the African Union, led by Acting President, Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), represented by Deputy Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini.

Lockdown measures put in place in South Africa and around the continent to combat the COVID-19 pandemic had required thorough consultations between the two parties on the ability of the host country to provide its habitual support to the PAP, and authorise a face-to-face Ordinary Session to be held on South African soil.

Given the special nature of the upcoming statutory meeting and following an assessment of the current context, the South African government has confirmed its readiness to host of the Session of the PAP next month under strict COVID-19 guidelines and protocols. As a reminder, the 4^th Ordinary Session of the fifth Parliament will include the election of the new Bureau of the continental Parliament.

Officials from DIRCO and the PAP have begun consultations on the logistical arrangements to ensure the success of the upcoming Session. Hon. Chief Charumbira, Acting President of the PAP, has expressed his gratitude to the Government of South Africa for stepping up once again to provide the necessary platform for the PAP to carry out its mandate on behalf of the people of Africa.

“South Africa has been a gracious host to the PAP and their pledge to host the Ordinary Session in the current context further highlights the country’s commitment to the African story of integration. The upcoming Ordinary Session is crucial as it will involve the renewal of the leadership of all organs of our Parliament. It is important that it is an in-person Session to ensure a smooth process. We thank the Government of South Africa for heeding the call,” says Hon. Charumbira.

The organization of the 4^th Ordinary Session of the fifth Parliament was a key item on the agenda of the meeting of the interim Bureau of the PAP, which took place in Midrand from 26 to 31 March 2021.

Source: Pan African Parliament’s Media Office