Mr Mokgalapa during his input highlighted the lessons learned from the recent events in North Africa and the Middle East: . The time of dictatorship (authoritarian rule) has expired (Egypt); . The increasing role of information technology (Twitter, Facebook); . The role of civil society - youth being the driving force; . The importance of addressing pressing national interest, like unemployment, rule of law, corruption, economic development, democratic reform; . Government has to be responsive towards the needs of their citizens i.e popular participation and political reforms; . The consideration of the role of Parliament in ensuring good governance and the adherence to institutional imperatives i.e. rule of law, openness and human rights, transparent legislation, public participation and to hold regular free and fair elections; . The oversight and accountability of the executive has to be enforced; . Several aspects to ensure good governance has to be considered i.e. building trust and legitimacy with the people, building a response government that cares and intervenes timeously, putting adequate checks and balances in place to ensure democratic institutions of good governance are strengthened; . Other instruments of note to ensure good governance are the AU Charter on Democracy, elections and governance, promotion of the Nepad MAP initiative, Economic Commissions of Africa and committees of Parliament, partnerships with civil society to address social issues; . In addition Governments must ensure that programmes are implemented that addresses corruption and maladministration; . The South African Parliament's role is to ratify the AU Charter on Democracy, elections and good governance, ensure that the Chapter 9 institutions are strengthened and fully functional, ensure public participation in legislative processes, enhance the anti-corruption bill and whistle blowing initiative and ensure gender representation in Parliament. . He concluded by indicating that these measures are not perfect but at least the basics are in place.