• Hon Ntombi Mekgwe, (Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature), Hon Lesecha Tsenoli (Deputy Speaker of RSA Parliament/National Assembly, and Ms G J Mason (RSA High Commissioner in Accra)
  • Honourable Ntombi Mekgwe addresses the opening ceremony of the CPA Africa Region’s 82nd Executive Committee Meeting in Accra, Ghana
  • Hon Ntombi Mekgwe, (Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature), Mr P Skosana (Secretary to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature)
  • Delegates in attendance at the CPA Africa Region’s 82nd Executive Committee Meeting in Accra, Ghana
  • Mr P Skosana (Secretary to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature)

As part of her role as Regional Treasurer of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region, Speaker Honourable Ntombi Megkwe, yesterday gave an address, welcoming representatives to the region’s 82nd Executive Committee Meeting, taking place in Accra, Ghana.

The week-long programme of meetings started on the 3rd and ends on Thursday 10 March 2022 – coinciding with the landmark 65th Anniversary of Ghana’s attainment of Independence from the British colonial rule, as well as with International Women’s Day.

And in the spirit of International Women’s Day theme: ‘Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’, Hon. Mekgwe spurred members of the Executive Committee into action by “delving into the continuous strides made by Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) and Women in the world to address issues facing women; particularly those related to social, economic, political, justice and development.”

Quoting the words of the late President of Mozambique, President Samora Machel, Hon. Mekgwe said, “The emancipation of women is not an act of charity, the result of humanitarian or compassionate attitude. The liberation of Women is a fundamental necessity for the revolution, a guarantee for its continuity and a precondition its victory”.

“Women continue to play a crucial role in the realisation of “the Africa We Want”, as proclaimed by the Vision of Africa 2063 – and I urge men to stand up and toil side-by-side with women,” she continued.

 She lauded the people of Ghana for their hard work, a pioneering spirit, and the country’s rich culture – and conveyed her wishes for the republic’s successful and prosperous future.

“Through our gathering, we seek to promote our democracies and come up with solutions fit for Africa and her people. And as we adjust from the devastating effects of Covid-19, we seek solutions that will move Africa forward and in accord,” she concluded.

The week-long programme of meetings is attended by high-profile participants from the CPA Africa Region’s member countries, representations from CPA International and the President of the Republic of Ghana.