Addis Ababa - South Africa has promised not to betray the trust Africa has bestowed upon her, to host the Pan African Parliament (PAP).

This is seen as a move that will enable the country to contribute effectively to the challenge of accelerating the process of Africa's renewal and integration.

Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma made this affirmation after Pretoria was given the right to become Africa's permanent legislative powerhouse last night.

This after Egypt, the only other country that had offered to host the body, withdrew its nomination on Wednesday pulling out of the political race that left South Africa as the obvious choice.

"We are delighted...that the continent has given us the honour to host PAP," said Dr Dlamini-Zuma.

"We are very moved and will not betray their trust," asserted Dr Dlamini-Zuma, who also thanked Libya and Egypt for their withdrawal and said, " they supported our bid."

Just recently, the three countries were in direct competition for the right to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup, which came South Africa's way eventually.

The decision by African Heads of State came hardly a week after South Africa hosted a celebratory party here to mark the 2010 Soccer World Cup, where diplomats hinted in light conversations that they would vote for South Africa.

They cited the country's infrastructure, economy, its political will and Pan-African influence in global affairs as well as security as some of the advantages.

South Africa, which is also one of Africa's top five financial contributing nations to the AU, will now speed up its plan to erect a new legislative building, possibly in Pretoria, while temporarily housing the organ at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, north of Johannesburg, for a period of at least five years.

This will mark the first phase of SA's hosting of the PAP.

The second phase will commence with the hosting of a continent wide competition for African architects to choose the design of the new PAP complex, which will be reflective of the rich talent and diversity of all the people on the continent.

The state-of-the-art complex will be situated in a convenient location in close proximity to suitable and affordable housing, hotels and accommodation and modern medical facilities.

The Gallagher Estate will provide for the exclusive use of the PAP in the first five years, a purpose built venue comprising a chamber, public gallery and committee rooms adjacent to an office block.

The new continental parliament was inaugurated at a ceremony here almost four months ago with the swearing-in of 180 members representing 36 countries that have signed the protocol to establish the assembly.

Tanzanian diplomat Gertrude Mongella chairs the organ - one of the AU's new instruments to emerge since the transformation of the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

Pretoria will only provide a building to permanently house the instrument, shuttle transport for PAP members as well as provide the "necessary equipment that would make it possible for the PAP to function effectively." (By Matome Sebelebele) 

Issued by: GCIS (Government Communication and Information System)- BuaNews