Minister Maropene Ramokgopa on behalf of Deputy President Paul Mashatile: 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference
Programme Director;
Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces and President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Honourable Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane;
Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Thoko Didiza;
Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey;
Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Mr Stephen Twigg;
Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Honourable Dr Christopher Kalila;
Presiding Officers, Parliamentarians and Delegates from across the Commonwealth;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Good evening,
On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa, and Deputy President Paul Mashatile, it is my honour to welcome you to South Africa, and our mother city, Cape Town, to the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.
We trust that you have already experienced the warmth and hospitality for which South Africa is renowned.
Our country boasts not only natural beauty and cultural diversity but also serves as a testament to the enduring values of reconciliation, constitutionalism, and democratic governance.
Deputy President Mashatile was scheduled to attend this significant ceremony. Regrettably, he is currently on medical leave and cannot be with us tonight. Nevertheless, the Deputy President conveys his sincere congratulations and well-wishes to all delegates and participants in this Conference.
It is an honour for South Africa to host the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference for the second time, following the successful 55th Conference held in Johannesburg in 2009. Your presence here demonstrates our shared desire to deepen parliamentary democracy and achieve common goals through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.
This year's conference is particularly significant for our country. It coincides with the 30th anniversary of our Constitution, a foundational document forged through negotiation, sacrifice, and a collective commitment to a democratic future. Our Constitution enshrines the values of human dignity, equality, freedom, accountability, and the rule of law, which continue to guide our national development.
As we mark this milestone, we are reminded that democracy is not a destination, but an ongoing project. It needs strong institutions, an active citizenry, responsible leadership, and continual renewal.
South Africa’s democratic journey is a testament to the progress we have achieved, while reminding us of the unfinished work of deepening our democracy, strengthening our institutions, and ensuring that all share its benefits.
Ours is the story of a people who emerged from one of the most entrenched systems of racial oppression in modern history and chose reconciliation over revenge, democracy over authoritarianism, and nation-building over division. It is a testament to the power of dialogue, compromise, and a shared commitment to a more just and inclusive society. That choice continues to shape our democratic institutions and national character.
The Parliament of South Africa itself reflects this remarkable transformation. An institution that once enacted laws of exclusion and apartheid has been transformed into a democratic legislature, elected by and accountable to all South Africans.
One enduring lesson of our democratic experience is that the power of democratic institutions lies not in their perfection, but in their ability to hold themselves accountable, self-correct, and renew. This lesson resonates well beyond our borders, especially at a time when democratic systems are under increasing strain around the world.
Our democratic journey, therefore, speaks directly to this conference theme, "Strengthening International Law and Parliamentary Democracy in a Changing World Order: Commonwealth Leadership".
This theme fundamentally urges us to protect human dignity, fortify public institutions, and guarantee that the principles of justice, accountability, inclusion, and service guide governance. It calls for societies that are more democratic, equitable, and prosperous for the benefit of future generations.
However, the democratic values and institutions we champion face mounting global pressures. Democratic governance faces growing challenges from authoritarian tendencies, political polarisation, disinformation, declining public trust, and eroding constitutional norms.
At the same time, rising geopolitical tensions, unilateral actions, and inconsistent adherence to international law are contributing to global instability. The selective application of international norms, particularly where accountability is unevenly enforced, undermines confidence in the rules-based international order and weakens the foundations of peace, security, and international cooperation.
Recent global assessments of democracy point to declining democratic performance in many countries, accompanied by growing concerns regarding the rule of law, judicial independence, and representative governance.
These trends underscore the need for active citizenship, ethical leadership, strong institutions, and an unwavering commitment to constitutionalism and accountability.
In this context, the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference provides an important occasion to foster solidarity, democratic governance, sustainable development, and international cooperation. At a time of geopolitical rivalry, economic uncertainty, climate challenges, rapid technological change, growing debt burdens and widening inequality, this gathering offers an opportunity to strengthen collective action in pursuit of common goals.
As the cornerstone of democratic governance, Parliaments play a vital role in upholding the rules-based international order, strengthening multilateralism, and promoting democratic values through legislation, oversight, representation, and parliamentary diplomacy.
Legislative bodies across the Commonwealth have a duty to translate common principles such as those in the Commonwealth Charter and the Latimer House Principles into practical national measures.
Through law-making and oversight, parliaments give international commitments practical effect and ensure governments uphold their obligations, particularly in human rights, democracy, and international humanitarian law. This means our citizens look to us to develop better, more practical policies that address their concerns. In many countries, citizens are asking if international institutions can still deal with today’s challenges?
Can democratic systems respond effectively to their concerns?
Can democratic governments create jobs, reduce inequality, improve public services, and provide security?
They are asking whether Parliamentarians can make their voices heard in an increasingly complex global environment.
These questions cannot be dismissed. They require us to make democracy deliver. Democracy must be experienced by citizens not only as the right to vote, but as the right to live with dignity, participate meaningfully and have confidence that institutions work in their interests.
This is where Parliaments have a particular responsibility. Parliaments are not merely legislative chambers. They are instruments of representation, accountability and public participation.
They must legislate effectively, oversee government, scrutinise public expenditure, protect constitutional rights, and give citizens a meaningful voice in their countries' affairs.
For more than a century, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has provided an important platform for Parliamentarians to exchange experiences, strengthen institutions, and advance democratic governance.
Another pillar of this Conference is international law. International law should not be viewed as a barrier to national interests but as one of mankind’s greatest collective accomplishments. It provides a framework for interaction among states, big and small, based on agreed principles rather than coercion.
International law is vital for maintaining a stable and just global order, especially for developing nations and smaller states. It protects sovereignty and territorial integrity, facilitates peaceful dispute resolution, and promotes cooperation on global challenges amidst growing pressure on multilateral institutions.
For South Africa, respect for international law is not merely a foreign policy imperative; it is rooted in our constitutional values and historical experience.
Having emerged from institutionalised injustice through dialogue, negotiation, and international solidarity, we understand the importance of a rules-based international order in advancing peace, justice, and human dignity.
Today, South Africa remains committed to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, international law and international humanitarian law.
We believe firmly in the peaceful resolution of disputes, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the protection of civilians during armed conflict.
But we must confront an uncomfortable reality. The credibility of the international system is weakened whenever international law is applied selectively.
There cannot be one standard for powerful countries and another for developing countries. There cannot be one interpretation of international humanitarian law when the victims are politically convenient and another when they are not. And there cannot be genuine confidence in the rules-based international order if accountability depends on the identity or geopolitical influence of those who violate the rules.
Our message from South Africa is therefore clear: International law must be universal, consistent and enforceable. The Commonwealth, through its Parliaments, has an important role in defending this principle.
Parliamentary diplomacy must complement the work of governments and international institutions by building bridges, encouraging dialogue and strengthening accountability.
Honourable Delegates, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association must be commended for having long recognised this imperative. For over a century, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has provided a valuable platform for parliaments to exchange knowledge, share best practices and strengthen democratic governance across the Commonwealth.
Today, the Commonwealth's relevance is greater than ever. Its membership encompasses nations of diverse histories, cultures, and levels of development, including large and small states, developed and developing economies, and both island and continental nations. This diversity is a source of strength, enabling us to draw on a rich range of experiences and perspectives to address shared challenges and advance democratic progress.
I must reiterate that the future of democracy depends on our ability to deepen participation and advance inclusion. Democratic institutions cannot claim legitimacy if significant sections of society remain excluded from decision-making processes.
Women, young people, persons with disabilities, and historically marginalised communities must be fully represented in our legislatures and public institutions. Their participation is essential to building democracies that are truly representative and responsive.
The Commonwealth has demonstrated leadership in advancing gender equality, youth participation, and disability inclusion. Through initiatives such as the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians network and the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities network, the Commonwealth has made important progress in ensuring that democratic institutions better reflect the societies they serve.
This commitment is particularly important in the context of climate change. Across the Commonwealth, there is growing recognition that climate change does not affect all people equally. Women and girls, especially those in rural and vulnerable communities, often bear a disproportionate burden of climate-related disasters, displacement, and food insecurity.
Parliaments, supported by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and its associated networks, are increasingly moving beyond viewing women solely as beneficiaries of climate interventions. Instead, women are being recognised as leaders, innovators, and key drivers of climate resilience and sustainable development.
Commonwealth Parliaments therefore have a critical role to play in advancing gender-responsive legislation, ensuring adequate resource allocation, and exercising effective oversight to address the climate crisis. In doing so, they can help position women not as victims of climate change, but as architects of transformative change.
Equally important is promoting inclusive and equitable trade. Parliamentary diplomacy can play a significant role in advancing fair trade, reducing inequality, and supporting sustainable economic growth, particularly across the Global South.
Through inter-parliamentary dialogue and cooperation, legislators can help ensure that international trade agreements promote fairness, protect vulnerable communities, and create opportunities for shared prosperity. Approaches rooted in solidarity, ethical production, and support for small producers can meaningfully reduce underdevelopment and foster more inclusive economic growth.
Honourable Members and delegates,
The General Assembly will deliberate on an issue of considerable importance: the transformation of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's legal status from that of a charitable organisation to an international organisation.
This matter has been under consideration for many years, and the Gauteng Provincial Legislature formally advanced it in 2012. We encourage delegates to work collectively towards bringing this process to a conclusion. Doing so would strengthen the Association's capacity to contribute more effectively to global democratic governance through the work of its member parliaments.
As we seek to deepen engagement in international forums, institutions of global governance must continue to evolve in ways that are more inclusive, representative, and responsive to the needs of both developed and developing countries.
Allow me to bring to your attention the issue of migration, which remains one of the defining realities of our time.
Across Africa and the world, millions of people move in search of safety, opportunity, and better prospects for themselves and their families. However, many African countries continue to face significant challenges associated with migration, often outweighing the gains that migration can bring when not effectively managed and supported by appropriate policies and regional cooperation.
South Africa, like many countries, continues to navigate the complex challenges and opportunities associated with migration. As a significant destination within the region, we recognise both the contribution migrants make to our societies and the responsibility to manage migration effectively and lawfully.
We must also address the challenge of illegal migration in a manner that balances the legitimate concerns of our citizens with our unwavering commitment to human dignity, human rights, and the rule of law.
Effective migration management requires solutions that are lawful, humane, and responsive to the realities faced by both host communities and migrants.
In this regard, there can be no justification for violence, intimidation, discrimination, or xenophobia against foreign nationals. Such conduct has no place in a constitutional democracy and undermines the values of human dignity, equality, and social justice upon which our society is founded.
The state is responsible for enforcing immigration laws and must do so within the framework of the law. No individual or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands. We must also address the misinformation and disinformation that often distort public understanding of migration.
Public discourse must be guided by facts, evidence, and respect for human dignity, not fear and prejudice. Ultimately, the most sustainable response to migration lies in addressing its root causes by promoting peace, expanding economic opportunity, creating jobs, empowering young people, and strengthening regional integration and development.
In this digital age, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies increasingly shape and influence economic growth and migration, regional integration and development, and job creation.
Commonwealth countries are increasingly exploring AI's potential to enhance border security while ensuring the smooth movement of people and goods. However, implementing AI must be governed by strong legal and ethical frameworks that protect privacy, uphold human rights, and ensure accountability.
As I conclude, ladies and gentlemen,
As we gather in this beautiful city, we should not be satisfied with another successful conference measured only by the quality of our discussions.
Let Cape Town be remembered for the commitments we make and the action we take. I therefore propose that we leave this Conference united around five commitments.
First, to defend international law consistently and universally, regardless of the identity, power or geopolitical influence of the state concerned.
Second, to strengthen Parliaments as institutions of representation, oversight, accountability and public participation.
Third, to make our democracies more inclusive by expanding the meaningful participation of women, young people, persons with disabilities and marginalised communities.
Fourth, to use parliamentary diplomacy more deliberately as an instrument for peace, dialogue, conflict prevention and international cooperation.
Lastly, to ensure that the rules and institutions of the emerging digital age, including Artificial Intelligence, are shaped by democratic values, human rights and the public interest. These commitments must be accompanied by action.
I wish you productive deliberations and every success in your work.
It is now my pleasure, on behalf of the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, to declare the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference officially open.
I thank you.
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