SADC Parliamentary Forum
Holds a BA in Political Science and training in International Development from Brighton, UK.
First female Speaker of Malawi since 2019.
Over 15 years of political experience; Vice President of the ruling Malawi Congress Party (2024).
Former Cabinet Minister (Health, Environment, Gender, Transport); Chairperson of CPA Africa Region.
Previously worked with DFiD as Programme Officer for Malawi and Mozambique.
Barrister at Law, called to the Bar of England and Wales in 1973 and to the Bar of Mauritius in July 1974.
Practiced law for over 26 years.
Political Career
Member of the National Assembly (1976–1990).
Served as Attorney General and Minister of Women's Rights and Family Welfare (1982–1983).
Municipal Councillor of Beau Bassin–Rose Hill (1977–1979; 1985–1990).
Mayor of Beau Bassin–Rose Hill in 1987.
Professional Leadership Roles
Chairperson of the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) (2000–2002).
Ombudsperson for Children (2003–2011), advocating for the rights and welfare of children.
Chairperson of the Public Bodies Appeal Tribunal (2012–2021).
Diplomatic Roles
Ambassador of Mauritius to France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal (1992–1994), resident in Paris.
Permanent Representative to UNESCO (1995).
Chairperson of the “Conseil Permanent de la Francophonie” (1992–1994, Paris).
Medical Doctor with over 30 years’ experience in public and private health.
Academic background includes MBChB, BSc (General and Human Biology).
Former Minister of Health, Senator, and Member of the National Assembly.
Participated in high-level campaigns and leadership as Deputy Leader of the ABC National Executive Committee.
Current Speaker of the 12th Parliament, MP for Pigg’s Peak.
Diploma in Human Resource Development; pursuing MBA.
Former Minister of Agriculture; Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade; and Minister of Tourism.
Owner of a 26-branch hardware business employing over 600 people.
Economist and seasoned politician; Economics degree from the University of Kinshasa.
Former Director of Cabinet, MONUC Deputy Commissioner-General, National Assembly Speaker (2006–2009), and Vice Prime Minister of Economy.
Fluent in four Congolese national languages and French.
Re-elected Speaker in May 2024; founder of UNC and former presidential candidate (2011).
Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Botswana.
Opposition MP since 2004; current Leader of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP).
Held leadership roles including: Youth League President, BCP President, Vice President of Umbrella for Democratic Change.
Served in CPA, IPU, and SADC PF committees.
Formerly a Credit Officer at First National Bank of Botswana.
Holds a PhD and Bachelor's Degree in Law from Agostinho Neto University and an Executive Certificate in Public Policy Leadership from Harvard Kennedy School.
Speaker of the National Assembly of Angola since 2022.
Former roles include: Deputy Speaker; Minister of State for Social Affairs; Minister of Social Communication; Member of National Security Council; Member of the Council of the Republic; Member of the IPU Presidents Task Force; Member of the Pan African Women's Organization.
Extensive background in journalism, education, conflict mediation, gender equality, and human rights.
The following are the current Members of the Executive Committee of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, including both Substantive and Ex-Officio members.
Member Summary Table
| Ref | Member Parliament | Name & Title | Gender | Category | Political Affiliation | SADC PF Sub-Committee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Angola | Hon. Speaker Carolina Cerqueira, MP | Female | Presiding Officer | N/A | Legal Sub-Committee |
| 2 | Botswana | Hon. Dumelang Saleshando | Male | Non-Presiding Officer | Botswana Congress Party (BCP) | Finance Sub-Committee |
| 3 | DRC | Hon. Speaker Vital Kamerhe Lwa Kanyiginyi Nkingi | Male | Presiding Officer | N/A | Legal Sub-Committee |
| 4 | Eswatini | Hon. Speaker Jabulani Mabuza | Male | Presiding Officer | N/A | Human Resources and Capacity Development Sub-Committee |
| 5 | Lesotho | Hon. Dr. Pinkie Rosemary Manamolela | Female | Non-Presiding Officer | Opposition | Finance Sub-Committee |
| 6 | Madagascar | Rt Hon. Speaker Tokely Justin | Male | Presiding Officer | N/A | SADC PF President |
| 7 | Mauritius | Hon. Speaker Shirin Aumeeruddy | Female | Presiding Officer | N/A | TBA |
| 8 | Malawi | Rt Hon. Speaker Catherine Gotani Hara | Female | Presiding Officer | Malawi Congress Party | Finance Sub-Committee |
| 9 | Mozambique | TBA | Male | Non-Presiding Officer | TBA | TBA |
By Moses Magadza
WINDOEK, NAMIBIA - The Secretary General of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), Ms Boemo Sekgoma, has urged Southern African nations to seize the moment to reinforce their economies and reclaim control over their development trajectory.
Speaking via zoom at the opening of the High-Level Dialogue on Trade Justice: Mitigating the Impact of US Reciprocal Tariffs on SADC Economies and Women and Girls, on Thursday, Ms Sekgoma acknowledged the far-reaching implications of tariff increases and called for a recalibration of regional trade and production strategies.
By Moses Magadza
The Chief Executive Officer of the Southern Africa Trust, Ms Alice Kanengoni, has called for a bold reimagining of trade justice in Southern Africa, urging a shift away from exclusive technical approaches to inclusive, people-driven frameworks that centre those most affected by global economic shifts.
Ms Kanengoni made the call when she delivered welcome remarks at the beginning of a High-Level Dialogue on Trade Justice in Johannesburg co-convened with the SADC Parliamentary Forum.