South Africa, Mozambique Abstain from African Family Values Charter Over Legal and Scheduling Conflicts

South Africa and Mozambique have abstained from adopting the African Charter on Family, Sovereignty and Values at the 4th Inter-Parliamentary Conference currently underway in Accra.

The head of the South African delegation, Zandile Majozi, told delegates that Pretoria could not support the Charter because its definition of marriage as strictly between a man and a woman clashes with South Africa’s Constitution and international legal commitments. She said South Africa respects the Charter’s objectives but cannot back provisions that contradict its constitutional framework and legal obligations.

Mozambique also announced its abstention, citing logistical difficulties and legislative scheduling constraints. The position was conveyed in a letter from delegation head Carlos Tembe to Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin. The letter was read to participants by Ho West MP Emmanuel Bedzrah.

The abstentions come as lawmakers from across the continent deliberate on the proposed Charter, which aims to advance family values, sovereignty, and cultural norms in Africa.

Debate over the Charter continues in Accra, with member states weighing national legal systems against the document’s provisions.