Meeting with North Sudanese Delegation

Meeting report

The Chairperson apologised to the Sudanese Delegation for the absence of members from opposition parties as they had other commitments which they could not disengage from.

The head of the Sudanese Delegation outlined the makeup of the North Sudanese legislature. North Sudan had state legislatures and was governed by a constitution. The delegation had come to Parliament hoping to discuss matters pertaining to water management.
The head of the Delegation expressed its desire to observe the technology utilised by South Africa in its water management and its desire to learn from such technologies and their use. The delegation offered its appreciation for the work that the South African government had done to assist Sudan in facing some of its pervading challenges.

Discussion
The Chairperson apologised for not having been aware of the delegation’s wish to meet with the Committee that dealt with water- the Portfolio Committee on Water and Environmental Affairs. 

Ms H Malgas (ANC) sought more information on the division between North and South Sudan.

The Chairperson asked about the upcoming referendum and the preparedness of the country for that referendum.

A Sudanese representative stated that in his view the major issue was the demarcation of boundaries between South and North Sudan leading up to the referendum. The outcome of the vote would be dependent on the demarcation and how it was carried out. If the demarcation was not completed before the referendum it could lead to continued conflict. The Central government of Sudan had stated that it would accept the outcome of the referendum regardless of what that outcome was.

Ms T Sunduza (ANC) explained the process of passing legislation in South Africa from the introduction of a Bill to its promulgation by the President.

Ms Malgas asked about female representation in Sudan in terms of the political landscape.

A Sudanese representative responded that 25% of the Sudanese parliament was made up of women.

The Chairperson asked the delegation to outline areas of concern that it would like to have information on with particular regard to water management.

A Sudanese representative replied that the delegation would be interested to learn more about water management and water infrastructure used by the South African Department of Water and Environmental Affairs.

The Chairperson promised to send the request to the Portfolio Committee on Water and Environmental Affairs. She thanked the delegation for its visit.

The meeting was adjourned.