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CPA Deputy Secretary-General joins discussion on South Africa ahead of Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town
On 30 June 2026, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Headquarters participated in a discussion on South Africa ahead of the forthcoming 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), due to take place in Cape Town, South Africa, in September 2026.
Hosted by CPA UK in the UK Houses of Parliament, and chaired by Hon. Gagan Mohindra MP (UK), the 'Lunchtime Conversation' brought together Parliamentarians, Commonwealth representatives and policy experts to explore the opportunities and challenges facing South Africa as it prepares to host the 69th CPC and welcome around 600 delegates from across the Commonwealth.
The panellists were:
- Dineo Mathlako, Deputy High Commissioner, South African High Commission to the United Kingdom.
- Rt Hon. Lord Peter Hain, Member of the UK House of Lords and former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and Wales.
- Jarvis Matiya, Deputy Secretary-General, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).
- Christopher Vandome, Senior Research Fellow, Global Economy and Finance Programme and Africa Programme, Chatham House.
Opening the discussion, Dineo Mathlako reflected on South Africa's preparations to host the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference. She noted that the Conference would provide an opportunity to showcase South Africa's democratic development and engagement within the Commonwealth.
Above: Panellists at the CPA UK Lunchtime Conversation on South Africa and the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.
Speaking on the significance of the Conference, CPA Deputy Secretary-General Jarvis Matiya emphasised the value of bringing together Parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth to exchange ideas and address shared challenges. He said:
"The Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town offers an opportunity to discuss some of the defining issues of our time, including climate change, Artificial Intelligence, youth participation in politics, equality and inclusion."
The discussion explored South Africa's political and economic outlook, including the operation of its Government of National Unity, its democratic resilience and the impact of global economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
Christopher Vandome highlighted the resilience of South Africa's democratic institutions, pointing to the role of Parliament, the judiciary and constitutional safeguards in maintaining accountability and addressing political and social challenges. He said:
"South Africa is actually an example of where, even in some of the worst circumstances, the rules are holding and the institutions are holding."
The conversation also examined migration, economic inequality and political fragmentation, with Lord Peter Hain placing these issues within a broader global context and reflecting on South Africa's development since the end of apartheid. He said:
"South Africa's problems should be seen in context. It is a young democracy, just over 30 years old, and issues of migration and inequality are challenges facing societies right around the world."
Reflecting on South Africa's democratic journey, Dineo Mathlako, Deputy High Commissioner at the South African High Commission to the United Kingdom, said:
"Nelson Mandela would be proud of the constitutional progress South Africa has made over the past three decades and of the democratic institutions that continue to uphold the values for which he stood."
The proposals and perspectives shared during the discussion will help inform the agenda and wider conversations at the upcoming 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), due to be held in Cape Town, South Africa, in September 2026.
-ENDS-
The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an international community of 180 Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance.
Founded in 1911, the CPA brings together Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth. It offers a vast opportunity for Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff to collaborate on issues of mutual interest and to share good practice.
