Midrand – President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the official opening of the First Ordinary Session of the Seventh Legislature of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) on Monday, 27 July 2026, at the continental body’s headquarters in Midrand, Gauteng.

The session, which runs from 27 to 31 July, brings together parliamentarians from across the continent under the African Union’s 2026 theme: “Ensuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063”.

Deliberations will also address cross-cutting issues including peace and security, trade and economic integration, governance, and gender and youth development.

The gathering marks the first ordinary sitting since the election of a new PAP Bureau in April 2026, led by President Fateh Boutbig, signalling a new chapter for the legislative organ of the African Union.

The session’s programme includes the swearing-in of new members, solidarity messages, and a State of the African Union presentation by the AU Commission Chairperson.

“As the host country of the Pan-African Parliament, South Africa remains firmly committed to supporting the institution and strengthening cooperation among African Union Member States and continental institutions in advancing Africa’s collective interests,” the PAP said in a statement.

Ramaphosa’s participation underscores South Africa’s continued commitment to the effective discharge of the PAP’s mandate and the advancement of Agenda 2063 on behalf of the people of Africa.