African Peer Review Mechanism by Lance Greyling
2006-01-05. Honourable Speaker it is clear that the African Peer Review Mechanism represents a new chapter in Africa’s history. It signifies Africa taking control of its own destiny by countries finally measuring themselves according to an agreed upon set of standards drawn up by the countries themselves. It is ID’s wish that the APRM will become the new measure by which countries are judged rather than those imposed by outside institutions like the World Bank and the IMF.
For this to happen, however, it is
important that the process be run as transparently and inclusively as
possible. All sectors of society must be able to share their views on a
country’s progress. Engagement with civil society on this issue must be
real and cannot be allowed to simply fall into the category of ticking
off a box on consultation. Already there have been certain allegations
from some sectors in South Africa that this process has not been as
transparent and inclusive that they would have liked. It is important
that government and civil society find each other on the APRM, and that
we don’t see another process characterized by acrimony on both
sides.
To the Independent Democrats it is vital that this process succeeds in South Africa not only for our own country but for the continent as a whole. We are willing and ready to play our part in this endeavour and we are honoured that two of our members have been chosen to serve on the parliamentary committees considering different aspects of the process. We will certainly afford this issue our greatest priority and we hope to see an honest and frank approach towards South Africa’s challenges both in the parliamentary committees and in the broader society debate.
To the Independent Democrats it is vital that this process succeeds in South Africa not only for our own country but for the continent as a whole. We are willing and ready to play our part in this endeavour and we are honoured that two of our members have been chosen to serve on the parliamentary committees considering different aspects of the process. We will certainly afford this issue our greatest priority and we hope to see an honest and frank approach towards South Africa’s challenges both in the parliamentary committees and in the broader society debate.
