Addis Ababa — Some delegates to the African Union Summit here in Ethiopia have expressed confidence that South Africa will definitely get the nod to host the Pan African Parliament (PAP).

This when African leaders decide on the matter next week, during the summit that starts here tomorrow to last until 8 July.

In a snap interview with BuaNews, delegates hinted that it was Pretoria that would walk away with the permanent title, despite a stiff challenge from Egypt.

The two are bidding to become the continent's parliamentary powerhouse, a title seen by some as epitomizing the length and depth of the host country's prominence in the continental politics.

The parliamentary organ, made up of representatives from AU regional groupings and member countries is seen as one of the most influential AU organs in the league of the Peace and Security Council and New Partnership for Africa's Development.

Gertrude Mongella chairs the body.

However, Egypt has its image tinted with critics questioning President Hosni Mubaruk's lack of direct involvement in Africa affairs.

President Mubarak, who is currently sick, has not attended recent AU summit meetings and delegates argue that this "automatically disadvantages" the north African country.

However, in addition to playing a leading role in Africa's peace and development efforts, South Africa has the infrastructure, sound economy, pro Africa influence and agenda on global matters as well as the political will.

"The trend of people now is that everybody is either going or wants to go to South Africa for so many different reasons, people who used to go to Europe," said one, who refused to divulge his nationality since his country "delegation is small".

The country's ability to host international and African events, and its awarding of the 2010 Soccer World Cup bid also carries weight, they said.

"In terms of safety and loyalty I will prefer South Africa. It has been exposed to hosting so many AU meetings even Nepad," hinted a Ghanaian woman delegate.

Mr Lesley Holland, senior manager at the South African Auditor-General's office shot down critics who said that Pretoria sought to dominate everything in Africa.

According to Mr Holland, South Africa had never hosted any major African institution apart from the Nepad secretariat.

"It is not without cause... it is true that SA is one of the strongest economies and was a more stable country on the continent."

Former speaker in the South African National Assembly Frene Ginwala said before bowing out of office that Pretoria had canvassed enough support.

Meanwhile, other delegates including South African Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma have begun arriving in the Ethiopian capital to discuss the mission and vision of the AU for the next three years.

The AU commission chief Alpha Konare has put together a drastic plan together which he said would deepen "Africa's integrity, transparency, and good governance".