The Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Roger Mancienne, met with a high level parliamentary delegation from Gauteng Provincial Legislature, South Africa, on the morning of Wednesday 18th January 2023. The delegation was headed by the Speaker of the Legislature, Hon. Lentheng Ntombi Mekgwe, and she was accompanied by Hon. Lesego Makhubela, Hon. Solly Msimang, Hon. Ruth Mnisi, Ms. Sthandiwe Ngubane, Ms. Lunga Hogan-Msimang, and Mr. Humbulani Rambau. Hon. Mancienne was accompanied by Hon. Sebastien Pillay, Hon. Sandy Arissol, Hon. Waven William, the Clerk of the National Assembly Mrs. Tania Isaac, and the Deputy Clerk Ms. Alexandria Faure. The delegation was on an official visit to the Seychelles from the 18th – 22nd January 2023.
The Hon. Mekgwe thanked Hon. Mancienne for the warm welcome and discussed the reasons for the delegation’s visit to the Seychelles, being that they were here to learn and share experiences about democratic systems and practices in developing countries. She explained that South Africa has been in transition and the study of democratic models all over Africa was providing them with the knowledge to make more informed decisions about South Africa’s future.
After welcoming the delegation and coordinating introductions the Speaker explained the parliamentary system currently in use, as well as the history of Seychelles’ parliamentary and governmental practices. Hon. Mancienne provided an insight into the realities of accountability and oversight as well as the importance of impartiality in the continuous mission that is good governance. Hon. Mekgwe led discussions on various topics such as climate change and sustainability, economic development, and the fight against gender-based violence. The other Honorable Members present also had ample opportunities to share experiences, criticisms and praise of both the Gauteng and Seychelles Legislative systems.
The discussions were insightful and highly fruitful for both delegations, and a good-hearted working relationship was formed between both parliaments. At the end of the meeting, Hon. Mancienne presented Hon. Mekgwe and her delegation with a few tokens of appreciation. In kind, Hon. Mekgwe presented Hon. Mancienne and his delegation with a few tokens of appreciation from South Africa.
The Members of Parliament were presented with a token of appreciation each, with thanks by the Speaker on behalf of the National Assembly before the meeting concluded.
Before her departure, Hon. Mekgwe noted that the ministries and other bodies that the delegation met with were doing “a fantastic job”, and that Seychelles has the capacity to realise many great opportunities and can continue to develop in the future. The visit was described as a “real pleasure to share and learn”.
