Media Release: Parliament Congratulates Chief Charumbira for Being Elected Pan-African Parliament President

For a soundbite of NCOP Chairperson and leader of the Parliament of RSA delegation to the Pan African Parliament, Mr Amos Masondo, click on the link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9576ff

Parliament, Thursday 30 June 2022 - Parliament delegates to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), led by National Council of Provinces Chairperson Mr Amos Masondo, congratulates Zimbabwean Senator and President of the Zimbabwe Council of Chiefs, Chief Fortune Charumbira, on his election as the PAP President yesterday.

Senator Charumbira emerged victorious following a protracted battle over the "principle of geographical rotation" which resulted in the abrupt stopping of the PAP's 4th Ordinary Session in June last year. The African Union Commission had to intervene and suspend the session as it descended into chaos over the disagreement.

"We would like to congratulate Chief Charumbira on his election and we are looking forward to working with him and providing him with the necessary support to take the Pan African Parliament to greater heights," said Chairperson Masondo adding that they were relieved that the election process was completed so that the new leadership can focus on pursuing the values and principles guiding the existence of the PAP.

"We are happy that the process of reconstituting the continental parliament is complete, our focus now is to revive the PAP's drive for pan-African unity, collective prosperity, inclusive social and economic development, including regional and continental integration. With Chief Charumbira at the helm we are confident that these aspirations of the people of the continent will not be a pipe dream," said the Chairperson.

Chairperson Masondo leads the Parliament of RSA delegation which includes the Chief Whip of the Majority Party in the National Assembly, Ms Penny Majodina, Dr Mathole Motshekga, Mr Julius S Malema - leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, and Mr Thembekile Majola, from the Democratic Alliance.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
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