The CPA was founded in 1911 and the original member branches were the United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. However, active CPA branches now exist in nearly 160 national, state, provincial and territorial parliaments or legislatures, with a total membership of approximately 15 500 members.
The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature is a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and, like all other branches, pays an annual subscription fee which is determined by the executive committee of the CPA.
In 1989 the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) was founded. Female issues and gender considerations are discussed in this forum, and the CWP has its own executive body which manages its affairs.
Mission of the CPA
- Inter-parliamentary/legislative visits
- Parliamentary/legislative seminars and workshops
- Publications and newsletters on CPA activities and parliamentary/legislative events
Objectives of the CPA
• Inter-parliamentary/legislative visits
• Parliamentary/legislative seminars and workshops
• Publications and newsletters on CPA activities and parliamentary/legislative events