The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is firmly committed to modernizing and strengthening its institutional framework to address Africa’s evolving challenges in these rapidly changing times. This effort is particularly crucial as the African Union’s (AU) governance architecture undergoes significant reforms, stated His Excellency, Chief Fortune Charumbira President of the Pan-African Parliament.
President Chief Charumbira made these remarks during the Plenary Session convened to officially open the Sitting of Permanent Committees and other Organs of the PAP, which brought together its Permanent Committees and other Parliamentary organs. The session, held in Midrand, South Africa, is held under the AU’s 2024 theme: “Educate an African fit for the 21st century: building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa.” The event also witnessed the swearing-in of 20 new members as continental lawmakers.
“This plenary session marks a bold departure from tradition,” declared President Charumbira. “In the past, during Committee sittings, Members would simply fly in, attend their respective meetings, and leave. This time, we have dared to do it differently. The plenary session will now set the tone for upcoming Committee Meetings and define the collective direction we will take. This approach will be the new norm, rather than the exception.”
President Charumbira underscored the results-oriented focus of PAP under his leadership. He highlighted that members had recently concluded an intensive two-day workshop on results-based planning, management, budgeting, reporting, and the domestication of the second ten-year implementation plan of Agenda 2063—an unprecedented event in PAP’s history.
“The workshop was shaped by the AU’s strategic shift toward a results-based framework, with a specific focus on implementing Agenda 2063’s second decade. It acknowledged the crucial role PAP plays in aligning Member States' legislative, policy, and budgeting frameworks with continental priorities,” President Charumbira explained. He further emphasized PAP’s potential to align its advisory and consultative functions with the AU’s results-based approach.
Workshop participants demonstrated a strong commitment to aligning PAP’s activities with Agenda 2063 and accelerating the ratification and domestication of AU legal instruments, particularly the Pan-African Parliament Protocol of 2014 (Malabo Protocol) and the Protocol on Free Movement of Persons. President Charumbira urged PAP Members to prioritize developing effective implementation strategies and to swiftly domesticate the second ten-year implementation plan within their respective states.
“I call on PAP’s Committees to ensure that all future endeavors focus on delivering tangible benefits to the African citizens we represent,” he added, challenging the Committees to adopt a results-driven approach.
In his address, President Charumbira also touched on critical issues, including education, peace and security in Africa, the implementation of Agenda 2063, climate change, energy security, and Africa’s preparedness for future pandemics and emerging health threats.
Representing the government of South Africa, former PAP Southern Caucus Chairperson and current Minister, Hon. Pemmy Majodina, welcomed the legislators to the Special Committee Sitting. She reflected on her time at PAP, noting her contributions to the 1.28 billion African citizens and her role as a voice for the African diaspora.
“To the new Members, including those from my own National Parliament, be the voice for change,” she urged, emphasizing the need for seasoned parliamentarians to ensure that every African child receives the best education to unlock the continent’s development potential. She also highlighted the importance of education, encouraging students to work hard to achieve their dreams.
“In this plenary, we have students who have placed their hopes in the resolutions that will be passed. They recognize that one day, they may take our place in this Parliament.”
Hon. Majodina also commended President Charumbira and the Bureau for their tireless efforts in ensuring that the Pan-African Parliament continues to make meaningful progress toward achieving its goals.
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