SADC PF urges Namibia to set up national Women’s Parliamentary Caucus Moses Magadza The Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) has called on Namibia to establish a National Women’s Parliamentary Caucus to accelerate gender-responsive governance and amplify women’s voices in decision-making. Speaking at a high-level roundtable on women in politics and leadership in Swakopmund, SADC PF Secretary General Boemo Sekgoma cautioned that the journey towards gender parity in politics requires both institutional muscle and sustained commitment. She applauded Namibia’s gender milestones, including the recent election of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the country’s first female President, but stressed that political progress must be impactful. “Women make up only 40% of the National Assembly. That is progress, yes, but not parity,” Sekgoma observed.  She added, “Representation without impact is like thunder without rain. Our challenge now is to translate these numerical gains into meaningful power, the kind that shapes policy, holds the executive accountable, and changes lives.” Sekgoma said a cross-party National Women’s Parliamentary Caucus would serve as a critical engine for gender-sensitive policy development, legislative activism, public outreach, and inclusive governance. “It can support the President and the speaker in delivering inclusive governance. Further, it can become an engine for legislative activism, public outreach, policy development, and strategic oversight that is unapologetically gender responsive,” she said. Sekgoma pledged the full support of the SADC PF in helping to build the capacity of women MPs to drive legislative change and strengthen oversight. She stressed that women’s empowerment must be rooted in sustainable structures, backed by resources, and supported by political will. “The movement to empower women must be sustainable in the long term. Without sustainability, gains made may be quickly and suddenly lost,” she cautioned. She urged Namibia to domesticate all gender-related regional and international conventions and treaties it has ratified, saying these instruments must be treated not as optional but as obligations. Addressing entrenched obstacles to gender equality in politics, Sekgoma did not mince her words: “Patriarchy is still alive and well. It lurks in parliamentary corridors, in social media spaces, and even in the drafting of laws. But this can be overcome – not by silence, but by solidarity. Not by retreat, but by relentless engagement.” She warned against tokenism in women’s leadership and invoked the example of Britain’s Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May.  “We must ensure that women’s leadership does not become an isolated occurrence in the timeline of history,” she said and called for enabling frameworks to ensure continuity and institutional support for women in leadership. Sekgoma further called for cross-party collaboration, noting that gender equality is a cause that transcends political affiliations. She proposed that parliaments develop their own internal policies that favour dialogue on shared priorities such as climate action, youth development, and the fight against gender-based violence. “Gender-based violence must cease. Authorities must act robustly to prosecute perpetrators. There should be no half-measures,” she declared, referencing the SADC Model Law on GBV, which prescribes both criminal penalties and civil remedies. Sekgoma called for relentlessness in pursuit of gender equality. “This roundtable is not the end. It is a beginning. Use this space to build alliances, to learn from each other, and to prepare, not just to sit in Parliament, but to shape it,” she said. She challenged Parliament to ensure gender-sensitive laws are implemented. “Unless those laws are enforced, they remain promissory notes – beautiful words without a bankable future,” she said. She reiterated SADC PF’s commitment to supporting national parliaments in advancing gender equality, democratic governance, and inclusive development across the SADC region. *Moses Magadza is the media and communications manager at the SADC Parliamentary Forum.

#GenderEquality #WomenInLeadership #NamibiaPolitics #SADCPF #WomenEmpowerment

SADC PF mourns passing of Angolan legislator Moses Magadza The Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) has joined the National Assembly of Angola in mourning the passing of Diamantino Domingos Mussokola, an Angolan legislator and active member of the Forum.  Mussokola died on Friday, 13 June 2025, in Luanda at the age of 54. In a statement issued in Luanda, the speaker of the National Assembly of Angola, Carolina Cerqueira, paid tribute to the late parliamentarian, hailing his legacy of humility, camaraderie, and wisdom.  “As a Member of Parliament, Diamantino Domingos Mussokola leaves behind a legacy of humility, camaraderie, and wisdom that enriched political debates in the House of Laws,” she noted, adding that his dedication and keen sense of duty greatly contributed to parliamentary work and national dialogue. Mussokola was a member of the National Assembly’s committee on foreign affairs, international cooperation and Angolan communities abroad (3rd Committee), as well as a member of Angola’s national group to the SADC Parliamentary Forum. Trained in international relations and a university lecturer by profession, Mussokola had been serving in Angola’s Parliament since the 4th legislature and was representing the UNITA Parliamentary group in the current 5th legislature.  He was sworn in on 16 September 2022. SADC PF secretary general Boemo Sekgoma reacted to his passing with profound sorrow. “I extend, on behalf of the Secretariat and the entire family of the SADC PF, our deepest condolences to the Honourable Speaker, Members of the National Assembly of Angola, the family of the late Honourable, and indeed the people of Angola,” she said. She said the passing of Honourable Mussokola was “a devastating loss,” not only to his country but also to the entire SADC Parliamentary Forum fraternity.  “He was a distinguished parliamentarian whose commitment to democratic governance, regional integration, and inclusive dialogue was evident in all his interactions at the Forum,” Sekgoma said. She recalled that Mussokola was well known “for his calm disposition, intellectual rigour, and deeply considered contributions.”  Sekgoma said Mussokola actively participated in all SADC PF statutory meetings and was especially noted for taking meticulous notes, engaging thoughtfully, and always speaking from a well-informed perspective.  She noted that whether in plenary sessions or committee discussions, he demonstrated a forward-looking mindset and a sincere desire to help shape a better future for the SADC region. The SG said the last time the SADC PF had the honour of hosting Mussokola was during the orientation workshop for the new executive committee in Windhoek, Namibia, followed by the 57th Plenary Assembly Session in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.  “On both occasions, he was exceptionally active, present, and principled, embodying the very spirit of parliamentary diplomacy and solidarity that the Forum strives to promote,” she recalled. She added, “His passing leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege to collaborate with him. We shall miss his wisdom, his presence, and his unwavering dedication to the ideals of regional cooperation and democracy.” The SADC PF internal auditor and secretary of the Forum’s Audit and Risk Committee, Samuel Allan Bokosi, expressed sorrow on behalf of the committee, describing Mussokola as “a source of knowledge, analytical insight, and leadership experience.” “Although we never had the chance to meet in person, as the second committee meeting was rescheduled, I was looking forward to collaborating with him following his appointment to the Audit and Risk Committee in April 2025,” Bokosi said. He added that Mussokola’s passing represents “a significant loss” to the audit and risk committee, whose mandate includes strengthening institutional integrity, promoting sound fiscal management, and ensuring accountability within the Forum. “His contributions would have been instrumental in shaping the Committee’s strategic oversight and governance practices. His absence will be deeply felt, both professionally and personally,” he said. *Moses Magadza is the media and communications manager at the SADC Parliamentary Forum.

#SADCPF #Angola #MosesMagadza #DiamantinoMussokola #RIP

SADC PF embraces strategic partnerships Moses Magadza The SADC Parliamentary Forum has signed five memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with key regional and international organisations towards inclusive and strategic collaboration.  The MoUs with Oxfam, the Southern Africa Youth Forum (SAYoF), the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC countries (ECF-SADC) and the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) were signed on the margins of the SADC PF’s 57th Plenary Assembly Session hosted by the Parliament of Zimbabwe in Victoria Falls City last week. Speaking during the signing, the Secretary General of the SADC PF, Boemo Sekgoma, stressed the strategic importance of formal partnerships as cornerstones for building a resilient and responsive parliamentary ecosystem in the SADC region.  “These MOUs are more than pieces of paper. They represent a shared vision, a commitment to transparency, trust, and long-term collaboration,” she said. The SG explained that the rationale for the MOUs is rooted in the reality that parliaments do not operate in isolation.  “Parliament is an institution that lives through a robust partnership base. MPs need information, data, facts, and comparatives to be able to enact legislation and promote responsive budgets. Our partners bring their technical expertise on board to consolidate the core functions of parliaments,” she stated. The new partnerships, she said, are designed to support the implementation of the Forum’s Strategic Plan (2024–2028) and bolster its efforts to promote parliamentary democracy, good governance, gender equality, and regional economic integration. She called for leveraging complementary skills and fostering adaptability in the face of changing political, economic, and environmental conditions. On the thematic areas of collaboration, Sekgoma held up their regional relevance and transformative potential.  “The thematic areas of gender, governance, and trade are emblematic and critical to the region. Without equal gender representation, there will be no development that is sustainable in the long term. Gender equality is an underlying feature of good governance and profitable trade,” she stated. She stressed that the MOUs would allow partners to co-create tailored solutions to regional challenges, driven by a robust multi-stakeholder framework. On next steps, she announced that the Forum would convene a coordination meeting aimed at harvesting “low-hanging fruits” and co-developing a joint roadmap and workplan with tangible, time-bound deliverables.  “We are in it for the long haul,” she said. The partners were upbeat. Mutuso Dhliwayo, the Executive Director of ZELA, said the MoU marked “a pivotal step toward advancing inclusive, democratic, and effective governance for sustainable development.”  He said ZELA would collaborate on regional model laws and support capacity-building for parliamentarians, particularly in areas such as extractives governance, climate change, land rights, and urban resilience. Commissioner Glen Mashinini, speaking for ECF-SADC, described the MoU as a “transformative instrument” to strengthen institutional collaboration between election management bodies and parliaments.  “We are confident that this MoU provides a great opportunity to enhance mutual programmatic efforts and safeguard the legitimacy of democratic processes,” he said. He highlighted areas of cooperation, including electoral reforms, legislative alignment with international norms, and peer learning.  CTPD Executive Director Mr Isaac Mwaipopo hailed the partnership as a catalyst for inclusive trade and investment reforms.  “We are reaffirming our belief in the power of parliamentary diplomacy to drive economic transformation,” he said. He pledged CTPD’s technical support to SADC PF’s Standing Committee on Trade and Investment, focusing on policy reforms to boost intra-African trade, value chains and equitable development.  Regional Coordinator for SAYoF, Mr Misheck Gondo, described the agreement as “the birth of a transformative alliance” that brings young people closer to policy-making processes. He outlined planned joint actions, including the launch of a Regional Youth Academy, celebrations of International Youth Day, and support to the Regional Youth Caucus.  Sheuneni Kurasha, the SADC PF Partnerships Coordinator, said the partnerships represent the operationalisation of a core pillar of the SADC PF’s Strategic Plan (2024–2028), which is anchored on structured, mutually beneficial partnerships that amplify impact and optimise resources. “Almost all our work is anchored on partnerships. We are a parliamentary institution and a bridge between citizens and policy. This implies that we ought not have doors at all. We must be accessible 24/7,” he said.  He said the MoUs signed cover a broad spectrum of thematic areas that align with the mandates of SADC PF’s Standing Committees and regional priorities. These include democratisation, governance, and human rights; gender equality, youth development, and women’s advancement; trade, industry, finance, and investment; food security, climate action, and agriculture; sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). He stressed that the MOUs are underpinned by a concrete joint work plan outlining collaborative activity, resource requirements, and implementation timelines. This, he stressed, allows for predictable, medium- to long-term planning, thereby minimising duplication and fostering coherence among actors operating in the same policy arenas. “These MOUs help us leverage capacities we do not have while our partners benefit from our ability to drive legislative and oversight functions,” he noted.  With global funding dynamics in flux and a noticeable realignment of resources due to geopolitical shifts, SADC PF sees this shift as both timely and necessary.  “When the drumbeat changes, the dance must change,” Mr Kurasha quipped. “We are responding to the evolving context by strengthening our partnerships and maximising impact.” He explained that the decision to sign the MoUs during plenary – SADC PF’s highest policymaking body – was deliberate and fosters deeper mutual understanding of parliamentary structures, cycles, and processes.  “This will be the norm going forward. You will see partners actively participating in plenary sessions, committee meetings, and even in policy side events,” he stated. * Moses Magadza is the Media and Communications Manager at the SADC PF.

#SADCPF #StrategicPartnerships #InclusiveCollaboration #RegionalCooperation #ZimbabweParliament

SADC PF head calls for economic self-reliance amid rising tariffs Moses Magadza Boemo Sekgoma, the Secretary General of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), has urged Southern African nations to take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen their economies and regain 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, Sekgoma acknowledged the far-reaching implications of tariff increases and called for a recalibration of regional trade and production strategies. “While we certainly have no control over foreign jurisdictions and the tariffs they impose, a reliable way to avoid tariffing mayhem is to import and export more within SADC borders and within the African continent,” Sekgoma told delegates gathered for the hybrid meeting in Johannesburg. She cautioned that the sudden imposition of tariffs, particularly by powerful economies, often hits the most vulnerable the hardest, especially women and girls working in export-oriented sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing. “If tariffs disrupt the supply chain, it is usually the most vulnerable who are affected,” she warned. She reaffirmed the Forum’s support for free and fair-trade principles under the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the SADC Protocol on Trade, but emphasised that treaties alone are not enough. “We need high-quality goods to make people in the region self-sufficient. Parliaments must be emboldened to legislate to increase local productivity,” she asserted. She pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a critical vehicle for economic self-reliance but stressed that implementation must go beyond ratification. “Parliaments must explore avenues to optimise flows from the SADC Protocol on Trade and the AfCFTA. Treaties in themselves are not a panacea.” Calling for economic diversification and industrialisation, the SG challenged African policymakers to promote innovation and retain talent. “African ingenuity must come back to our shores. Brain drain must be discouraged, and incentives must exist for African intellect to be retained,” she said, urging the establishment of quality assurance laws and home-grown brands that can compete globally. She posed a series of reflection questions to drive the dialogue. “How do we maximise domestic production and promote intra-African trade? How do we ensure that women and young girls are fully integrated into the socio-economic benefits of trade?” Quoting the Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu, Sekgoma stated, “Victory comes from finding opportunities in problems.” She urged the region to embrace the current disruptions as a chance for honest reflection and bold reform. “The future of Africa must always lie in its own hands and not be dependent on external factors,” she stated. The High-Level Dialogue, organised in partnership with the Southern African Trust, brings together parliamentarians, economists, gender activists, and trade experts to chart a just and inclusive trade response to the escalating protectionist policies from the Global North. Moses Magadza serves as media and communications manager at the SADC Parliamentary Forum.

#EconomicSelfReliance #SADCPF #TradeJustice #AfricanEconomy #TariffImpact

SADC PF blows Namibia’s horn - New Era Namibia SADC PF blows Namibia’s horn  New Era Namibia

#SADCPF #Namibia #NewEraNamibia #AfricanPolitics #RegionalCooperation

SADC PF Blows Namibia's Horn [New Era] SADC Parliamentary Forum (PF) president Justin Tokely has praised Namibia's longstanding commitment to regional parliamentary cooperation.

#Namibia #SADCPF #ParliamentaryCooperation #SouthernAfrica #JustinTokely

SADC PF president praises Namibia’s leadership Moses Magadza The president of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), Justin Tokely, has praised Namibia for its support of regional integration and parliamentary diplomacy. He called for stronger cooperation as the Forum moves toward becoming a regional parliament. Tokely made the remarks during a recent courtesy call to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah by members of the SADC PF Executive Committee. He congratulated Nandi-Ndaitwah on her election as the country’s first female head of state. “Your recent assumption of office is a source of inspiration to our entire region. It represents a landmark victory for gender equality in African leadership,” he said. Tokely, who is also the Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar, commended Nandi-Ndaitwah for her record in governance, diplomacy, and pan-Africanism. He described her as a “freedom fighter, seasoned diplomat, and a committed servant of the people”. He said her leadership reflects “dedication, integrity, and the values of African unity”. Tokely paid tribute to Namibia’s previous presidents, the late Dr Sam Nujoma, Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba, and the late Dr Hage Geingob, for laying the foundation of democracy and development in the country. “Their cumulative leadership over three decades advanced peace, democracy, and regional integration,” he said. He recalled that under President Nujoma, Namibia hosted the Forum’s inaugural summit in Windhoek in July 1995 and has housed 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 said. He acknowledged Pohamba’s efforts to promote good governance and inclusivity, noting, “Nearly half of Namibia’s parliamentarians are women, a powerful testament to your nation’s progressive gender agenda.” Tokely also recognised Geingob’s leadership during his time as SADC Chairperson, saying it helped strengthen 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,” Tokely said. He thanked Namibia for its continued support of the forum and said the country remains a key partner. “Namibia holds a special place in the heart of the SADC PF. It has been an unwavering pillar of support since our inception,” he said. Tokely urged stronger ties with Namibia as the forum transitions into a regional parliament. He said integration efforts must be driven by citizens. “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 said. Meanwhile, Nandi-Ndaitwah welcomed the delegation and said she was pleased to meet with members of parliament. “I am 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,” she said. The visiting SADC PF delegation included the Speaker of the National Assembly of Angola, Carolina Cerqueira; the Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda; the Speaker of the National Assembly of Lesotho, Tlohang Sekhamane; the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, Nelly Mutti; Botswana’s opposition leader, Dumelang Selashando; Shally Josepha Raymond; and SADC PF Secretary General Boemo Sekgoma. Moses Magadza is the Media and Communications Manager at the SADC Parliamentary Forum.*

#Namibia #Leadership #SADCPF #RegionalIntegration #ParliamentaryDiplomacy

SADC PF pays courtesy call on President SADC PF pays courtesy call on President NBC Online Thu, 05/01/2025 - 16:30

#SADCPF #RegionalIntegration #ParliamentaryForum #AfricaUnity #SADC

Nandi-Ndaitwah welcomes SADC Parliamentary Forum delegation to State House   By: Hertha Ekandjo President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Wednesday received a courtesy visit from a high-level delegation of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), led by its...

#SADCPF #NandiNdaitwah #ParliamentaryForum #StateHouse #SouthernAfrica

SADC PF mourns the passing of clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia Moses Magadza The SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) has expressed sorrow following the death of Roy Ngulube, the clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia, who died on 7 April 2025 while on official duty in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Ngulube was in Tashkent as part of a Zambian parliamentary delegation attending the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, led by Speaker Nelly Mutti.  His sudden passing has sent shockwaves across the region, with tributes pouring in to honour a man widely respected for his dedication to parliamentary service and regional cooperation. In a condolence message, the Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Boemo Sekgoma, paid tribute to Mr. Ngulube’s extensive contributions to regional parliamentary development. “Mr. Ngulube was not only a consummate parliamentary professional but also a steadfast advocate for regional cooperation, innovation, and democratic governance,” she said in a statement, adding that he was also “a strong pillar” in the SADC Committee of Clerks and Secretaries General of Parliaments. Mr. Ngulube’s relationship with the SADC PF dates to his tenure as Executive Assistant to the Secretary General between 2006 and 2008. In that role, he helped lay a solid foundation for inter-parliamentary collaboration within the region. His service, Sekgoma noted, was marked by “an unwavering commitment to the principles that underpin the Forum’s work.” Throughout a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Mr. Ngulube rose through the ranks of the Zambian Parliament. He held key positions including Assistant Committee Clerk, Deputy Clerk for both Procedure and Administration, and, Clerk of the National Assembly, a position he assumed in September 2023. In recent years, he remained integrally involved in the work of the SADC PF, contributing thought leadership and strategic input to several key initiatives, including the SADC PF Sweden-funded SRHR, HIV and AIDS Governance Project.  “His participation was marked by diligence, vision, and a tireless dedication to improving legislative responsiveness to public health and social development imperatives,” said Sekgoma. A strong proponent of modernising parliamentary communication, Mr. Ngulube helped Zambia’s Parliament in expanding its operational radio and television broadcasting services to enhance public access and participation. He was also an early advocate for leveraging emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to streamline legislative processes. “His bold embrace of innovation was a testament to his forward-thinking leadership,” noted Ms. Sekgoma. She added, “He will be remembered for his spirit of collegiality, mentorship, and principled engagement.” His colleagues saluted him for championing gender equality in parliamentary leadership, ethical donor engagement, and strengthening institutional ties with development partners. Sekgoma said the impact of Mr Ngulube’s work was enduring.  “We celebrate a life of dedicated service, quiet strength, and an enduring legacy. May his family and colleagues find solace in the knowledge that his work touched many lives and that his legacy will continue to inspire.” Delegates attending the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, observed a moment of silence in remembrance of Mr Ngulube on Tuesday -Moses Magadza is the Media and Communications Manager at the SADC Parliamentary Forum.

#Zambia #SADCPF #MosesMagadza #RoyNgulube #ParliamentaryService