By Thapelo Molefe
The 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference is under way in Cape Town, with Nigeria’s absence and concerns over xenophobia forming part of the discussions around the gathering.
The conference began on Sunday and was formally opened at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Monday evening.
National Council of Provinces chairperson and conference president, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, said Parliament, together with provincial legislatures, was fully prepared to host the gathering from 13 to 19 September.
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The conference brings together speakers, MPs, parliamentary officials and representatives from Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) branches to discuss democracy, governance, human rights and international law.
However, tensions around South Africa’s treatment of foreign nationals have cast a shadow over the gathering after Nigeria’s National Assembly suspended official visits to South Africa and participation in legislative activities hosted or organised by South African authorities.
CPA executive committee chairperson Christopher Kalila said the issue was being dealt with through the CPA Africa region.
“This is a matter which is very much known to us because it was brought to the attention of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Africa region at its meeting, at its annual meeting, which was held in Malawi not too long ago,” Kalila said.
He said a committee made up of African representatives would report its recommendations once its work was completed.
“At this point, we would like to allow (conference delegates) to do their work and we will be reporting their recommendations in due course when they are done,” Kalila said.
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza said migration would form part of the discussions at the conference, as it was “an issue affecting countries across the world”.
“South Africa has been open in this debate to say it’s not just a matter for South Africa, it’s a matter that globally we need to engage on, learn from one another, and find a way of actually addressing it,” Didiza said.
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Didiza said the Commonwealth remained important to South Africa despite the country’s participation in other international forums, including the Southern African Development Community and BRICS.
“The Commonwealth Association as a forum remains critical for South Africa to this day,” she said.
The conference is being held under the theme “Strengthening international law and parliamentary democracy in a changing world order: Commonwealth leadership”.
Mtshweni-Tsipane said the theme was particularly relevant as countries faced geopolitical uncertainty, threats to international law, declining public trust, inequality, climate shocks and rapid technological change.
“The 69th CPC takes place at a time when multilateralism and international law faces growing pressure,” she said.
The programme includes workshops on climate adaptation and resilience, artificial intelligence in parliaments, and the role of parliaments in protecting human rights and promoting peace.
Tuesday’s programme includes sessions of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians and CPA Small Branches conferences, workshops on inclusive trade and accessible parliaments, and the Emilia Monjowa Lifaka Lecture.
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On 17 September, official voting delegates and regional representatives will meet in a closed CPA General Assembly under the theme “New leadership opportunities for the Commonwealth: Parliamentary action to strengthen democracy and international law”.
The official dinner and presentation of the 2026 Commonwealth Parliamentarian of the Year awards are also scheduled for 17 September, followed by official tours of Cape Town on 18 September and departures on 19 September.
“The conference will also provide a platform to showcase South Africa’s constitutional democracy, diversity and resilience while engaging honestly with both our achievements and our challenges,” Mtshweni-Tsipane said.
