International IDEA welcomes the visit from the Parliament of South Africa

International IDEA was pleased to welcome the South African Parliamentary Standing Committee on Appropriations to its Headquarters in Stockholm as part of the Committee’s study visit to Sweden. Led by the Chairperson, Hon. Member of Parliament, Yvonne Nkwenkwezi Phosa, the Committee met with the Secretary-General of International IDEA, Yves Leterme, and representatives from International IDEA´s Global Programme working on political participation and representation.

As a founding Member State of International IDEA, the Secretary-General underlined the long-standing engagement of South Africa in the work of the organization and welcomed the opportunity for strengthening the interaction between the democratic institutions of South Africa and International IDEA. The meeting discussion focused on the key role of parliaments and specifically multi-party parliamentary committees on appropriations in exercising a budgetary oversight role and strengthening democratic practices and transparency in budget matters. International IDEA engages in South Africa through its Africa and West Asia Programme and remains committed to deepen its cooperation with South African institutions and stakeholders and raise the awareness of its work in the South African context.