SADC Parliamentary Forum Meets in Johannesburg: A Step Towards Regional Integration
Today, the bustling city of Johannesburg, South Africa, is the focal point for parliamentary leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as they convene for the Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF). This significant gathering aims to review the EXCO’s impact over the past two years and lay the groundwork for the upcoming 56th Plenary Assembly, set to be hosted by Zambia’s National Assembly from December 8 to 15, 2024.
The meeting features key figures in regional leadership, including Hon. Advocate J.F.N. Mudenda, Speaker of the Parliament of Zambia, who touched down in Johannesburg yesterday. Among his fellow Speakers are Hon. Roger Mancienne from Seychelles, the current President of SADC PF; Hon. Angela Thokozile Didiza from South Africa; Hon. Nelly Mutti from Zambia; and Hon. Professor Peter Katjavivi from Namibia. Their collaboration over the next two days is expected to be crucial in fostering unity and a collective vision for the future of regional governance.
The SADC PF EXCO meets biannually, per Article 12 (7) of its Constitution, taking responsibility for managing the Forum’s affairs while providing direction to the Secretariat. With the current EXCO’s term concluding in December 2024, this meeting serves as a critical self-evaluation moment, assessing achievements and challenges faced during the past two-year tenure.
Highlighting the accomplishments of the EXCO, President Roger Mancienne delivered a compelling Valedictory Report. He celebrated significant strides towards transforming the SADC PF into a fully functional SADC Regional Parliament—an aspiration that has garnered support from a critical mass of member states. Following the 44th SADC Summit held in Harare, Zimbabwe, in August 2024, 12 member states signed the Agreement to Amend the SADC Treaty, establishing the SADC Parliament as a vital organ within the SADC framework.
Mancienne praised Hon. Advocate Mudenda for his diligent leadership of the Strategic Lobbying Team, which played a pivotal role in engaging all relevant stakeholders over the past 14 years. His strategic efforts have invigorated the movement towards parliamentary integration, which many believe is the key to unlocking sustainable development in the region.
The two-day workshop is not just about introspection; it also allows for a simultaneous assessment of Zambia’s preparations for hosting the 56th Plenary Assembly in Livingstone. The theme, “Leveraging Technology and Innovation for Smart, Inclusive, and Responsive Parliaments in the SADC Region,” hints at an ambitious agenda, aiming to promote digital transformation in governance that benefits all citizens.
As the session unfolds, there’s a palpable sense of optimism among the leaders. With steadfast collaboration and innovative approaches, the vision for a more integrated Southern African region is slowly but surely moving closer to reality.
Stay tuned for more updates from Johannesburg, and let’s celebrate the resurgence of purposeful dialogue in fostering regional unity and progress!
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