Moses Magadza
The new president of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) and Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, officially opened the SADC PF executive committee meeting in Durban on Wednesday, marking his debut in the role.
In his maiden address, he expressed humility, gratitude and a firm commitment to strengthening regional parliamentary cooperation.
“This is my first meeting as President of the SADC Parliamentary Forum,” Randrianasoloniaiko said, adding that he is “conscious of the responsibility I now carry.”
He acknowledged his predecessor, Justin Tokely, for “his professionalism, dedication and steady leadership” and noted that Madagascar and the entire region benefit from the “solid foundation he leaves behind.”
He also expressed gratitude for the support of the SADC PF Secretariat under SADC and its secretary general, Ms Boemo Sekgoma, for easing his transition into the position.
“From the moment I assumed office as Speaker, the Secretariat ensured that I was fully briefed on the work, priorities and governance of the Forum… Your guidance has made my transition smooth,” he said.
Hon. Randrianasoloniaiko reaffirmed Madagascar’s commitment to the core values of the SADC PF – “solidarity, accountability, democracy, and regional unity” and pledged to act not as a lone leader but as part of a team.
“I do so not as an individual pursuing a personal agenda, but as a team player,” he stated and called on the Executive Committee to draw on its collective wisdom to “advance the priorities you have already set and strengthen the Forum’s impact across our region.”
On the institutional role of the meeting, he reminded delegates that the Executive Committee is mandated “to provide strategic direction, oversee implementation, and ensure that the Forum remains responsive to regional realities.”
He expressed confidence that the Committee’s deliberations would remain “focused, constructive, and guided by the best interests of our SADC region.”
Randrianasoloniaiko was elected speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar on 15 October 2025.
The SADC Parliamentary Forum is the inter-parliamentary institution of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), composed of lawmakers from member states. Its executive committee provides strategic direction to the Forum; oversees implementation of decisions and programmes; ensures governance and responsiveness to regional realities; and lays the groundwork for the Forum’s decisions that will later be adopted at the full Plenary Assembly.
*Moses Magadza is the media and communications manager at the SADC Parliamentary Forum.
Caption
Photo 1 – The secretary general of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Boemo Sekgoma (left), speaks before the new president of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) and speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, took the oath or affirmation of adherence of SADC parliamentarians.
Photo 2 – The new president of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) and speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, poses for a souvenir photo with members of the executive committee of the SADC PF in Durban.
- Photos: Motshwari Mofokeng, Parliament of South Africa
