Question NW3421 to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
14 October 2022 - NW3421
Msane, Ms TP to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
What (a) plans have been put in place to withdraw the Republic from the Commonwealth of Nations and (b) are the relevant details in this regard?NW 4223E
Reply:
(a) Since re-joining the Commonwealth in 1994, South Africa has not made any plans to withdraw from the Commonwealth. South Africa continues to actively participate in the Commonwealth Ministerial and Heads of Government Meetings to make sure that the needs and the voice of Africa and the countries of the South are heard. The Commonwealth is a growing Organisation. During the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Kigali, Rwanda in June 2022, Gabon and Togo, joined the Commonwealth. Membership has now grown from 54 to 56 members. The opening of the membership of the Commonwealth to former French and Portuguese colonies will ensure that the Commonwealth will remain growing in the future.
(b) Not applicable.