Africa / World

SADC PF SG calls for collaboration to advance SRHR and democratic governance

SADC PF SG calls for collaboration to advance SRHR and democratic governance

Moses Magadza A regional capacity development workshop focusing on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR),HIV and AIDS began in Johannesburg on Monday, with the secretary general of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Boemo Sekgoma, calling for collaboration among regional parliaments, civil society organisations, and educational institutions to effectively implement key initiatives for democratic governance and health rights. Officially opening the workshop, she explained that the capacity development session was meant to enhance the appreciation of all parliaments that have signed the agreement to implement the three-year SIDA-funded SRHR and HIV and AIDS and Governance Project. Sekgoma highlighted the role that various…
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SADC PF convenes retreat to strengthen budgetary practices for SRHR advocacy

SADC PF convenes retreat to strengthen budgetary practices for SRHR advocacy

Moses Magadza The SADC Parliamentary Forum's SIDA-funded Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), HIV, and AIDS Governance Project has convened a budget analysis retreat for researchers and staff of national parliaments to strengthen budgetary practices for SRHR advocacy. The retreat began in Johannesburg on September 28 with the secretary general of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Boemo Sekgoma, underscoring the need for rigorous budget planning in SRHR. “Without a budget, nothing can be achieved,” Sekgoma said when she officially opened the retreat, highlighting the role financial resources play in implementing essential health initiatives. She highlighted the interconnectedness of budget allocations…
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SADC PF President advocates for transformative education at Pan African Parliament

SADC PF President advocates for transformative education at Pan African Parliament

Moses Magadza The President of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Roger Mancienne, has underlined the urgent need for educational reform across the continent, advocating for a comprehensive strategy to build resilient education systems that cater to all Africans in the 21st century. Mancienne, who is also the speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, made the call on Monday when he addressed a sitting of the Pan African Parliament Committee virtually. “We must recognize the pivotal role that quality and relevant learning play in shaping a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future,” Mancienne said during a session themed “Educate an African Fit…
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DRC signs Agreement to amend Treaty towards SADC Parliament

DRC signs Agreement to amend Treaty towards SADC Parliament

Moses Magadza On Thursday, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed the Agreement to Amend the SADC Treaty, establishing the SADC Parliamentary Forum to set up a SADC Parliament. The President of the DRC, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, delegated Kalala Mayiba Constantin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the DRC to Angola, to sign the agreement at the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana. The DRC became the 12th SADC Member State to sign, reaching the required 12 of the 16 SADC Member States. According to SADC PF Secretary General, Boemo Sekgoma, the work to finalise the Protocol on the SADC Parliament, which…
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SADC-PF launches five-year strategic plan

SADC-PF launches five-year strategic plan

Moses Magadza The SADC Parliamentary Forum has set ambitious goals aimed at advancing the collective interests and development of the organisation’s Member Parliaments within the Southern African region by 31 December 2028. The secretary general of the SADC PF, Boemo Sekgoma, said this when she presented the Forum’s new strategic plan (2024-2028) at the 55th Plenary Assembly hosted by the Parliament of Angola in Luanda from 1 to 7 July. The Plenary Assembly is the highest policy-making and deliberative organ of the SADC-PF. With a budget of slightly more than US$37,4 million over the five-year period, Sekgoma said the plan…
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SADC PF regional workshop on climate resilience set

SADC PF regional workshop on climate resilience set

Moses Magadza The SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), in collaboration with its partners, will this week convene a regional workshop on "Fostering Sustainable Futures: Integrating Climate Resilience in Southern Africa." At least 50 delegates are expected to attend the two-day workshop from 9 to 10 July in Windhoek. The SADC PF is organising the workshop in partnership with the International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF) and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS). Rachel Mundilo, the Programme Manager for the SADC PF’s Standing Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources (FANR), said the workshop aligns with strategic Goal 4 of the new SADC…
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Zambia signs an agreement to amend SADC Treaty

Zambia signs an agreement to amend SADC Treaty

Moses Magadza Zambia has become the 11th SADC Member State to sign the agreement to amend the SADC Treaty establishing the SADC PF, bringing the region closer to having a SADC Parliament. The signing took place in Luanda, Angola, on Monday, shortly after the official opening of the 55th Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum. The agreement was signed by Zambia's Minister of Justice, Princes Kasune, on behalf of Zambia's President, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema. Established in 1997 as an institution of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in accordance with Article 9(2) of the SADC Treaty, the…
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Focus on children as SADC PF Committee meets

Focus on children as SADC PF Committee meets

Moses Magadza The SADC PF Standing Committee on Human and Social Development and Special Programmes (HSDSP) is meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, under the theme "Advancing the AU Agenda 2040 for Children: Strengthening Parliamentary Engagement for Child-Centred Legislation and Policies." The meeting is in preparation for the 55th Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, scheduled to take place from 1 to 7 July in Angola. The Committee convenes when there is growing concern over child rights violations, poverty, and inequality, as well as a dearth of child-centred policies within the SADC region and beyond. Munashe Tofa, a member…
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