WINDHOEK: Namibia has spearheaded efforts to transform the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) from a charitable organization into an international inter-parliamentary body. This week, the Namibian parliament hosted a meeting of the CPA Africa region’s budget committee to discuss this significant transformation. Lukas Sinimbo Muha, the National Council chairperson and CPA Africa executive committee vice chairperson, officiated the meeting, highlighting the alignment of this initiative with the CPA’s strategic plan for 2022-2025.
According to Namibia Press Agency, The strategic plan aims to persuade the UK government to recognize the CPA as an international inter-parliamentary organization and change its legal status from a UK charity. However, progress has been slow, with little action from the UK government as the strategic plan nears its end. CPA consists of 52 member states and is divided into nine regions, with CPA Africa being the largest.
CPA Africa treasurer and budget committee chairperson Lentheng Ntombi Mekgwe emphasized that the committee’s focus is on activities related to the CPA’s status change. Mekgwe, the speaker of South Africa’s Gauteng Provincial Legislature, stated that the transformation was the main agenda of the meeting. The change is crucial for African branches, as they seek to utilize funds more effectively for the continent’s development rather than as charity in the UK.