Opinion: Are We Really Here? – Katjavivi Reacts to Transformation of SADC Paliamentary Forum
In Luke 2:25-32, Simeon, a devout man who had been promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen Christ, said, upon holding the infant Jesus in his hands: “Sovereign Lord, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen salvation.”
Last week, in a similar moment thick with emotion and decades of anticipation, Peter Katjavivi, the former speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia and a member of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) Transformation Lobby Team, delivered a stirring address at the signing of the agreement to amend the SADC treaty to establish the SADC PF as an official institution of the regional bloc.
Addressing an audience that included Botswana’s president Duma Boko, speakers, parliamentarians and other dignitaries, Katjavivi paused, gripped by the significance of the moment.
“Sometimes I feel, are we here? Is this the event that brought us together?” he asked. “I think I’m convinced we are indeed here to witness something so important.”
The agreement, signed in Gaborone under the leadership of Boko, represents a historic milestone in the decades-long journey to formally recognise the SADC PF as a fully fledged institution of the SADC.
Katjavivi, one of the forum’s most resolute advocates, made it clear that the journey had been arduous, but worth every step.
Botswana became the 14th SADC country to sign the agreement. The region now awaits Mauritius’ signature.
“We have struggled hard to achieve something we feel is very important. Parliament cannot be left behind as we are discussing the critical issue of regional integration,” Katjavivi said.
The former speaker reflected on the path that brought the region to the 14th signature.
“We have been dreaming about this, but it has become a reality,” he said. “As we look back and look to the future, this is something that will define who we are as a SADC community.”
Katjavivi is exiting active political service. The milestone carried deep personal significance for him, and he described the moment as a fitting conclusion to his years of service and advocacy.
“It has been long coming. It is finally here, and I am extremely proud,” he said. “We say our job is done to a certain extent – but of course we need to consolidate this achievement.”
He said the envisaged regional parliament must serve the people of southern Africa and position itself on the continental and global stage.
“A regional parliament is an important vehicle for regional integration. It will enable us to fully serve our citizens within the SADC region and the continent of Africa at large by networking with other regional parliaments . . . drawing upon the experiences that might be relevant for us.”
He said Namibia remains a dedicated host country to the SADC PF and would continue supporting its evolution. Recounting a conversation with Namibia’s current president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, he said: “Before coming here, I alerted the current president . . . She simply said: ‘I wish you well. and thank you for sharing this important event with me.’”
For Katjavivi, Botswana’s signing represents the fulfilment of a shared dream; one that entailed tireless lobbying, unwavering hope and collective belief.
“This is a very important development that we hold dear to our hearts,” he said. “From here, we’ll continue to mobilise the best we can to make sure the SADC regional parliament lives up to the expectations of our people,” he said to applause.
The SADC PF Transformation Lobby Group comprised speaker Jacob Mudenda, chairperson from Zimbabwe Pedro Sebastião, proxy for speaker Carolina Cerqueira from Angola, former speaker Phandu Skelemani from Botswana, Katjavivi from Namibia, speaker Thokozile Didiza from South Africa, and speaker Nelly Mutti from Zambia.
* Moses Magadza is the SADC PF’s spokesperson
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