Yesterday I had pleasure of leading my counterparts, Honourable Speakers from SADC Parliaments, to an important meeting with President Ramaphosa regarding steps towards establishing SADC Regional Parliament. We are meeting other SADC Presidents on this matter.

I am looking forward to the outcomes of the Heads of State and Government Summit of SADC, as a culmination of many years of hard work and lobbying to reach sufficient consensus on the establishment of a SADC Parliament. SADC is the only Region in Africa without a Parliament.

Our heartfelt condolences to the Sobukwe family and friends on sad passing of Mama Zondeni Veronica Sobukwe. She’ll be remembered for her courage, resilience & fearlessness during liberation struggle, including her steadfast support of incarcerated freedom fighters #RIPMamaAzania

SONA is being preceded by parliamentary dialogue with stakeholders & media, themed “Let’s talk SONA: Rules & Procedures” Today. The dialogue will unpack significance of SONA, administration of such special sitting & associated rules, conventions & traditions. U dont want to miss

I’m pleased with the theme choice for this #IPU138: “Strengthening the global regime for migrants and refugees - the need for evidence-based policy solutions”. By the way, many South Africans were themselves once refugees #IPU138

It’s important that Parliaments such as ours participate in IPU to shape global legislative agenda. More than 6.5 billion of the world’s 7 billion people live in states whose parliaments are members of IPU— its key for our Parliamentary diplomacy #IPU138

It was great catching up with our new young IPU President, 39 year-old vibrant woman Gabriela Cuevas , whose candidacy we supported last year, on the sidelines of #IPU138. We had fruitful discussion on wide range of issues. We continue to support her on this important role #IPU138

At #IPU138th meeting that's dealing with 'Strengthening global regime for migrants, refugees - the need for evidence-based policy solutions” in Geneva, Speaker urged allies in Socialist International to ensure IPU deals with Myanmar security forces' violence against the Rohingya

Speaker Ms @BalekaMbete with MP Mkhuleko Hlengwa MP and SA Ambassador to Switzerland Ms Mxakato-Diseko at 138th Inter-Parliamentary Union General Assembly debate on  “Strengthening the global regime for migrants and refugees - the need for evidence-based policy solutions” #IPU138

Speaker Ms @BalekaMbete, who leads SA Parliamentary delegation leader to the 138th Inter-Parliamentary Union, chats with Pan African Parliament President Roger Nkodo Dang during the #IPU138 General Assembly

Speaker Baleka Mbete currently meeting her Angolan counterpart Mr Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, on the sidelines of the 138th Inter-Parliamentary Union currently underway in Geneva #IPU138

Speaker @BalekaMbete, who leads SA Parliamentary delegation to #IPU138 in Geneva, arriving for the General Assembly discussion earlier today with Ambassador Khubeka. The Speaker is scheduled to address the General Assembly tomorrow morning #IPU138

Speaker @BalekaMbete following meeting with her Angolan counterpart Mr Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos on the sidelines of the 138th Inter-Parliamentary Union: “Our relationship with Angola remains strong, it’s historical, Angola fought alongside us for our liberation #IPU138

WATCH Speaker Baleka Mbete following meeting with her Angolan Counterpart on the sidelines of 138th Inter-Parliamentary Union: We must transform SADC Parliamentary Forum into Regional Parliament, and we will engage our new leadership in government in this regard #IPU138

WATCH: “Ongoing Bilateral engagement with sister Parliaments key to strengthening democracies in our countries” - says Speaker Baleka Mbete following meeting with her Angolan counterpart, Speaker Dos Santos, on the sidelines of the 138th Inter-Parliamentary Union #IPU138

WATCH Speaker Baleka Mbete exhorting delegates at a meeting of the 138th Inter-Parliamentary Union to be forthright in dealing with the Myanmar’s systematic persecution of the Rohingya people. ‘We must confront Myanmar about this’ #IPU138

This morning at 11:00 I will address the Assembly of the 138th Inter-Parliamentary Union on the topic: Strengthening the global regime for migrants and refugees - the need for evidence-based policy solutions. Watch the address live from Geneva on player.4am.ch/uip/20180325-2… #IPU138

Had good discussion on cooperation, friendship and parliamentary diplomacy with Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia Mr Irakli Kobakhidze on the sidelines of the 138th Assembly of the IPU #IPU138

Thank you to our SA Parliamentary delegation which has been hard at work here in Geneva at the 138th Assembly of IPU, robustly arguing for adoption of progressive resolutions regarding international legislative sector. I’m proud to lead such dynamic Delegation #IPU138