Delegation of United States Women Legislator is to Visit the Western Cape Provincial Parliament

Cape Town, Wednesday, September 2, 2009 - the U.S. National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) currently administers a programme, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, entitled "Active and Responsible Citizenship: Empowering Women Policymakers in South Africa" in keeping with the mandate of the programme a delegation of United States Women Legislators will be visiting the Republic of South Africa, in particular the Western Cape Province from Saturday, September 5 to Wednesday, September 9, 2009 as guests of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament.

On Sunday, September 6, 2009 at the District Six Museum at 9:15 a.m, Speaker Shahid Esau will formally welcome the delegation consisting of:
Representative Peggy Welch, Delegation Leader (Democratic Party), member of the Indiana General Assembly where she is vice-chair of the Public Health Committee. Rep. Welch is also chairperson of the NCSL Health Committee and immediate past president of the NCSL Women's Legislative Network.

Representative Rosie Berger (Republican Party), member of the Wyoming State Legislature where she is chairperson of the House Appropriations Committee. At the NCSL, Rep. Berger is vice-president of the Women's Legislative Network and member of the NCSL executive committee. She is also the immediate past chair of the NCSL Women's Legislative Network.

Senator Joyce Elliott (Democratic Party), majority leader, Arkansas General Assembly.

Representative Helen Giddings (Democratic Party), member of the Texas State Legislature where she chairs the House Appropriations Sub-Committee on Business and Economic Development. Rep. Giddings is also an Honorary Consul for the Republic of South Africa.

Senator Pamela Gorman (Republican Party), Arizona State Legislature.

Representative Verla Insko (Democratic Party), member of the North Carolina General Assembly where she chairs the Health Committee and Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee. Rep. Insko is also vice chair of the Committee on Education: Universities. At the NCSL she is vice chair of Human Services and Welfare Committee.

U.S. Women Legislatures Delegation's Agenda:

Saturday, September 5
11:10 a.m. Arrive in Cape Town: Flight SA 607G - Hon. Deputy Speaker Majola and Mr. Williams, Secretary to WCPP will receive the Delegation at Cape Town International Airport
2 p.m. Tour of Robben Island
7 p.m. Dinner at Green Dolphin jazz restaurant, Waterfront

Sunday, September 6
9:15 a.m. District Six Museum: Welcome by Hon. Shahid Esau, Speaker to the WCPP
10:15 a.m. Gugulethu Seven Memorial: NY 1
11:30 a.m. Boschendal Wine Estate, Franschoek: Tour of Main Manor and slave rooms
1:00 p.m. Lunch, music played by Jahm jazz band
2:30 p.m. Wine Tasting Session and Wine Cellar Tour, Boschendal Wine Estate
3:45 p.m. Depart for Hotel via Franschoek
Evening Free Time

Monday, September 7
09:00 a.m. National Parliament of the Republic of South African: Tour
10:00 a.m. Address in the Chamber of the NCOP by the House Secretary - Adv. Phindela on Procedure
10:30 a.m. Address in the Chamber of the National Assembly by Mr. Mansura, House Secretary: Procedure
11:00 a.m. Meeting with Members of the Multi-Party Women's Caucus
12:30 p.m. Lunch hosted by the Deputy Speaker and the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP (tbc)
15:00 p.m. Closing session to address all outstanding issues - Senior Parliamentary Staff

Tuesday, September 8
10:00 a.m. Western Cape Provincial Parliament
10:30 a.m. Meeting with Members of the WCPP and representatives of spread of non-governmental organisations involved in women's rights
11:30 a.m. Transfer to the Residence of the U.S. Consul
12:00 p.m. Luncheon Hosted by Dr. Alberta Mayberry, U.S. Consul General
2:30 p.m. Return to the WCPP
3:00 p.m. Observe the WCPP during Session
6:15pm. Dinner with Members of the Provincial Parliament: Five Flies Restaurant

Wednesday, September 9
9:00 a.m. Visit Table Mountain (weather permitting)
12:00 p.m. Lunch at Canal Walk Center, Century City
1:30 p.m. Depart for the Airport
4:50 p.m. Flight to Johannesburg: Flight SA 354T
6:50 p.m. Arrive Johannesburg
8:45 p.m. Depart for Atlanta, GA: Delta 201T

Enquiries:
Mahendra Shunmoogam
Media liaison officer
Email: mshunmoo@wcpp.gov.za
Tel: 021 487 1634 or
Cell: 082 726 9300