Hon. Tokely, who is also the Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar, commended President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s distinguished record in governance, diplomacy, and pan-African solidarity. He described her as a “freedom fighter, seasoned diplomat, and a committed servant of the people.”

He stressed that her leadership exemplifies “dedication, integrity, and the values of African unity.”

Paying tribute to Namibia’s previous Heads of State - the late Dr. Sam Nujoma, Dr. Hifikepunye Pohamba, and Dr. Hage Geingob - Hon. Tokely acknowledged their respective roles in laying the democratic and developmental foundations upon which modern Namibia stands.

“Their cumulative leadership over three decades advanced peace, democracy, and regional integration,” he said.

He recalled that under Dr. Nujoma, Namibia played a foundational role in the establishment of the SADC PF by hosting its historic inaugural summit in Windhoek in July 1995 and generously accommodating its Secretariat since 1997.

“President Nujoma’s unwavering support for regional parliamentary diplomacy, including his vision of SADC PF as the nucleus of a future regional parliament, has guided our trajectory,” he remarked.

He noted the legacy of President Pohamba in entrenching good governance and inclusivity, noting that “nearly half of Namibia’s parliamentarians are women, a powerful testament to your nation’s progressive gender agenda.”

He also applauded President Geingob’s regional leadership, especially during his tenure as SADC Chairperson, which focused on deepening regional cooperation and economic integration.

“The Namibian example stands as a beacon of democratic governance, peace, and gender-responsive leadership. Few countries can match such a consistent commitment to human rights and gender parity,” Hon. Tokely stated.

He appreciated Namibia’s continued support to the Forum and underscored the country’s symbolic and strategic importance.

“Namibia holds a special place in the heart of the SADC PF. It has been an unwavering pillar of support since our inception,” he stated.

As the SADC PF works towards transforming into a regional parliament, Hon. Tokely called for intensified cooperation with Namibia, particularly in ensuring that regional integration efforts are people driven.

“We remain committed to ensuring that the voice of our people is heard in SADC processes and that our policies reflect democratic will. The experienced leadership and input of Namibian parliamentarians continue to enrich our deliberations,” he affirmed.

On her part, President Nandi-Ndaitwah said she was happy to “be among our Honourable Members of Parliament, particularly at a time when our region really needs the work of the parliamentarians who are our representatives.”

Notable among the SADC PF delegation were the Speaker of the National Assembly of Angola, Carolina Cerqueira; the Speaker of then Parliament of Zimbabwe, Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda; the Speaker of the National Assembly of Lesotho Honourable Tlohang Sekhamane; then Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia Honourable Nelly Mutti; Honourable Dumelang Selashando, leader of the opposition in Botswana; Honourable Shally Josepha Raymond; and SADC PF Secretary General Ms Boemo Sekgoma.

Ends/.