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Thursday, July 17, 2014

Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature launches the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Branch

Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature launches the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Branch
By BRIAN KAJENGO
The Mpumalanga Branch of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) launched at the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature. 

Speaker Shongwe told the meeting that the main aim of the Branch is to embark on learning initiatives and co-operate with regard to inter-legislative exchanges in the Republic of South Africa, Africa and beyond, and to promote knowledge of the constitutional, legislative, economic, social and cultural aspects of parliamentary democracy.

The Speaker, Mrs Thandi Shongwe chaired the meeting where members to serve in the Executive Committee of Mpumalanga Branch were elected. The CPA Constitution formed the basis in electing the new Executive Committee Members of the Mpumalanga CPA Branch.

This means that the Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Mrs Thandi Shongwe automatically becomes the President of the Mpumalanga Branch and the Deputy Speaker, Mr David Dude becomes the Deputy President.

The Common Wealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an Association of Commonwealth Parliamentarians who, irrespective of gender, race, religion or culture, is united by the community of interests, respect for the rule of law and individual rights and freedoms, and by pursuit of the positive ideals of parliamentary democracy.

The CPA has been the voice of parliamentary democracy across the Commonwealth nations for more than 9 decades. The Association is composed of Branches formed in Legislatures in Commonwealth countries which subscribe to parliamentary democracy. The Members of the Legislature in which a Branch formed are entitled to become Members of the Branch.

Every Branch is autonomous and the Executive Committee manages the affairs of most Branches.

The CPA Constitution also recommends that the Secretary to the Legislature becomes the Secretary of the CPA branch. As a result Mr Josiah Silinda, the Acting Secretary to the Legislature confirmed as the Secretary of the Branch.

Member Pat Ngomane elected to the position of the Treasurer Mpumalanga CPA branch. “Honourable President, thank you for the opportunity, I accept the responsibility as the Treasurer of the Branch. I hope I am going to get support and I will try my level best to learn because this is a new responsibility,” said Mr Pat Ngomane as he accepts the new role.

The additional members of the Mpumalanga CPA Branch are Mr Sibusiso Malaza, Ms Rhoda Mathabe, Ms Patricia Ngobeni and Mr Johan Mkhatshwa.

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