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The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation held a successful celebratory meeting on Africa Month, on the theme “Towards the Africa we Want”.
 
The Portfolio Committee has resolved to have an annual commemorative session to review progress and challenges on the continent in realising the aspirations of the founders of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in achieving a united Africa.
 
The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, commended South Africa for its continued supportive role in strengthening African Union (AU) structures. He further said there is a need for South Africa to pioneer a proposal at the AU to consider moving towards making Africa a unitary state. This would assist the continent to address the challenges brought about by illegal migration.
 
The committee also called for tangible results on reparations from colonisers, including partnering with Africa for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
 
Mr Mahumapelo also expressed support for the outcomes of the recent Southern African Development Community foreign ministers’ retreat in Kruger National Park, where the emphasis was placed on the need to prioritise economic development in the region to address the drivers of increased migration.

Professor Eddy Maloka contributed to the Portfolio Committee’s discussion on African Month by highlighting milestones achieved by the OAU and AU, particularly in peace and security, good governance, and advancing a united African voice in multilateral forums. Prof Maloka highlighted the need for a pan-African approach, through the AU, in addressing the challenges of migration.
 
He also urged the Portfolio Committee to encourage the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to develop thinktanks to support the implementation of South Africa's foreign policy.

Mr Mahumapelo emphasised that while the AU has achieved great things, it must be mindful that a politically divided Africa will not be able to achieve meaningful economic prosperity.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the chairperson of the portfolio committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Supra Mahumapelo