By Moses Magadza

WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA – Newly-elected President of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), Rt Hon. Speaker Justin Tokely from Madagascar, has laid out a transformative roadmap aimed at addressing pressing socio-economic challenges while strengthening regional democracy.

In his first official communication to SADC PF Member Parliaments, partners and well-wishers since his election in December last year, Hon Tokely - who is also the Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar - shared his vision for 2024-2026, spotlighting socio-economic revival, accountability, legal reform, and health improvements across the region.

The Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Ms Boemo Sekgoma, has commended Seychelles -through her National Assembly – for committed and exemplary leadership in the work of the Forum.

She did this last week when the National Assembly of Seychelles joined the third phase of the SIDA-funded Sexual Reproductive Health Rights, HIV and AIDS Governance Project in Mahe, Seychelles. Seychelles participated in the first and second phases of the Project.

By Moses Magadza

The Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Ms. Boemo Sekgoma, has commended directors of Information Communication Technology (ICT) departments of national parliaments for their commitment and dedication to fostering digital empowerment within parliaments.

Dear Colleagues and Partners,

It gives me great pleasure to present this message to the member parliaments of the Forum and its partners as we mark International Day of Forests, which is being observed under the theme: “Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World.”

STATEMENT FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE SADC-PF ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FORESTS

It is with solemn dismay that we have taken cognizance of the passing on of His Excellency, Dr Hage G.Geingob, who assumed, until today, the functions of President of the Republic of Namibia.

COMMUNIQUE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF SADC-PF DEMISE OF HIS EXCELLENCY, DR HAGE GGEINGOB

 COMMUNIQUÉ OF

THE 54^TH SADC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM PLENARY ASSEMBLY SESSION

22^ND – 26^TH NOVEMBER 2023

COMMUNIQUE OF THE SYMPOSIUM FOR THE 54 ^TH PLENARY ASSEMBLY SESSION

"THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENTS IN PROMOTING COORDINATION FOR ENHANCED DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND RECOVERY PLANNING IN THE SADC REGION "

22^NDNOVEMBER 2023

STATEMENT FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE SADC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD 11TH OCTOBER 2023

Dear Colleagues and Partners,

The SADC Parliamentary Forum presents its congenial compliments to its Member Parliaments and partners and is pleased to keenly commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child on this 11th  October 2023.

On this day, the Forum recognises the significant importance of empowering girl children in Africa through adequate food, shelter, health care and education to ensure that they become the leaders of tomorrow. The Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 which is premised in large part on gender equality also implies that girl children must be treated equally, and without discrimination with regards to boys who are often offered better chances and opportunities in life.

Dear Colleagues/partners,

I have the immense contentment to release this Statement to the Forum’s Member Parliaments and partners in  view of celebrating the  International Day of Democracy 2023.

On this day, it is essential to recognise that democracy is the single most important pillar for human development. Democracy provides the necessary space for human rights to be progressively implemented and enables the protection of minorities. Democracy is the only form of governance which bestows credence to the will of the people and allows citizens to freely choose their elected representatives to advance their interests within parliaments. Parliaments which embody democracy then provide a framework for accountability and for checks and balances to be exercised on the Government of the day. Whilst Parliaments derive their mandate from the democratic framework, a strong democracy logically translates into a robust Parliament.