His Excellency Danny Faure President of the Republic of Seychelles on the Occasion of The 41st Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, 10th July 2017, Victoria, Seychelles.

President of the SADC Parliamentary Forum and Speaker of the National Assembly of Angola, Honourable Fernando de Piedade Dias dos Santos

The SADC PF Vice President, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa

The Host Speaker, Hon. Patrick Pillay and fellow Speakers of SADC National Parliaments

Honourable Leader of the Opposition of Seychelles, Hon.Wavel Ramkalawan

Honourable Leader of Government Business of Seychelles, Hon.Charles Decommarmond

Chairperson of the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Dr Jessie Kabwila

Honourable Members of Parliament from SADC National Parliaments

The Secretary General of SADC PF, Dr Esau Chiviya

Distinguished invited Guests and Observers

Staff of SADC PF Secretariat

Staff of National Parliaments here present

Members of the Media

Ladies and gentlemen

I want to express a warm welcome to all of you, distinguished parliamentarians to this 41st Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum. May I extend a special word of welcome to those visiting Seychelles for the first time. I trust that you will have a memorable stay in our country and we look forward to your next visit.

We thank the SADC Parliamentary Forum together with the Seychelles National Assembly for having chosen Seychelles as the venue for this most important Plenary Assembly Session and it is indeed an honour for us to host this auspicious event for the first time.

I was once privileged to serve as a member of Seychelles National Assembly. Since that time, I have reserved a special place in my heart for this most important institution, and its pivotal role in amplifying the voice and will of the people.

I have no doubt that during your stay in our country you will be able to feel the pulse and heartbeat of our young evolving democracy and the dynamics of our nation as we continue to shape our future and our destiny as one People.

Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Africa is in the middle of a process of massive transformation. The continent is home to about seven of the world’s 10 fastest growing economies. It has rich natural resources , a young population and scope for growth. Around the globe, companies and countries alike are turning to Africa’s promise. It is a continent of hope with immense potential.

However, the continent still has many developmental challenges to overcome. In the context of globalization, regional integration is imperative for Africa. But effective implementation of regional frameworks will only take root in healthy and democratic environments where economic management is transparent and accountable. Building this kind of political and economic security requires that we think and act regionally and continentally in the spirit of solidarity and shared commitment.

Indeed, the globalized world economy demands that we act as organized regions to give ourselves the best chance of turning that hope into tangible improvements in the quality of lives of our population – including the reinforcement of the values of democracy and good governance.

In a well-cited quote, former United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan,   noted ‘’that good governance is perhaps the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development’’.  In our specific case, it has definitely reaped dividends and catalyzed our progress towards High Income status.

Seychelles relationship and cooperation with SADC draws its strength from our collective solidarity, these democratic values, nurtured by a common purpose for progress; peace; security; freedom; social justice and prosperity for the peoples of Southern Africa.

In this context, Seychelles reaffirms its commitment to the vision, objectives and programmes of SADC towards regional integration. We are undertaking the process of regional integration in order to achieve strong, sustainable economic growth and to become major and effective actors in world governance.

In order to achieve an effective and transparent regional integration process, we purposefully need to ensure the meaningful participation of the people and institutions of SADC. Parliament is the embodiment of representative democracy and its untapped potential to deepen SADC’s regional integration should be appreciated and recognised.  The recognition we can give to the SADC Parliamentary Forum for its contribution in advancing the region’s democracy, governance peace and development agenda is to earnestly consider its quest for transformation into a Regional Parliament.

This is an aim and objective which the Government of Seychelles shares and fully support. In this context, the setting up of a SADC Regional Parliament will build more stable foundations for peace and security, better promote the implementation of policies, democratic standards and best practices resulting in greater political stability, more sustainable economic development and increased regional integration.

The Leaders, Governments, and people of southern Africa will use the SADC Regional Parliament to share best practice and developments in governance and socio-economic advancements.

Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is heartening to note that the 41st Plenary Assembly Session is meeting under the theme ‘’HARNESSING THE DEMOGRAPHIC DIVIDEND IN SADC THROUGH INVESTMENTS IN YOUTH.’’ This theme is in line with the Commemoration of the of the African Union’s 54th anniversary and in line with the Orgainsation’s vison 2063. The adoption of this vision is a colossal milestone towards inclusive development of our continent and empowerment of our people.

Today, the theme provides us with the opportunity to continue valorizing our youth with more vigour and dynamism. The involvement of youth in the development of our continent and indeed in southern Africa will mean more inclusive participation and development. Our youth are an extraordinary asset to our region.

The theme therefore reminds us of the urgency to provide platforms, opportunities, support and resources to enable them to be true drivers for continued and increased sustainable development, progress, peace and advancement of our region. There is need to open new horizons, new avenues for our youth’s development. We are here to help them shape a better future and in doing so harness the potential of the next generation.

Our youth will change southern Africa. Our youth will make Africa better. Our youth will make the world better.

I have no doubt that it is in this spirit that you will deliberate on this most important theme as well as on other issues of regional importance.

It is now my honour and privilege to declare this 41st Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum officially open.

I wish you fruitful deliberations.

I THANK YOU.

The challenges faced by national parliaments and governments in the region are enormous given the rising demands of citizens and the unpredictable effects and impacts of globalization. It is the aim in this strategic plan for the period, 2011- 2015, to make sure that the SADC-Parliamentary Forum membership develop capacity and confi dence to cope with the challenges. In doing so, the Forum will assist parliaments through leadership development, training, research, best practice and information sharing, improved cooperation, timely documentation and advisory services, quality publications, and legislative support to perform their oversight, legislative, representational and advocacy roles more effectively and to exercise responsible stewardship over public resources.

Through this strategic plan, the Forum’s broader membership, management and stakeholdership have articulated a realistic set of strategies and programmes to achieve the mandate given to it by the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in 1997. These programmes have been divided into four strategic thematic areas to provide clarity and focus, and to facilitate better resource utilization, improved effi ciency and accountability. As the SADC-PF moves toward its ultimate goal of being transformed into the Region’s Parliament, it is expected that Member Parliaments and parliamentarians will play their part to see that the processes and commitments are kept on track. As the incumbent chairperson of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, I share a certain delight and enthusiasm as we move this 5-Year Strategic Plan into implementation mode.

I look forward with great hope to the Forum’s timely transformation, and between and then, to its strong performance, positive results and outstanding achievements.

We, the Representatives of the people of Southern African Development Community, having solemnly resolved to constitute a Parliamentary Consultative Assembly to be known as the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum with a view to developing into a regional Parliamentary structure, for the purpose of strengthening the capacity of the Southern African Development Community by involving Parliamentarians of Member states in its activities:

Determined:

• to promote respect for the rule of law, gender equality and equity1, individual rights and freedoms, including the promotion and development of cooperation in the economic field in the SADC region based on the principle of equity and mutual benefit;
• to promote peace, democracy, security and stability on the basis of collective responsibility and supporting the development of permanent conflict resolution mechanisms in the SADC sub-region and strengthening regional solidarity and building a sense of common destiny among the peoples of SADC; and
• to promote dialogue and cooperation among Member States on socio-economic development issues in order to enhance economic welfare.

DO HEREBY GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Parliamentary Forum is implementing the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), HIV and AIDS and Governance program through seven SADC member parliaments. Namibia only joined the initiative in October 2016. The SRHR, HIV and AIDS and Governance program aims to strengthen the capacity of SADC National Parliaments to advocate for, and influence responses to sexual and reproductive health and rights, HIV and AIDS and Governance challenges in the SADC region.

As part of the implementation of the program, the SADC Parliamentary Forum in collaboration with the National Assembly of Namibia convened a Multi-stakeholder Consultative Workshop on 13^th and 14^th October 2017 at Out of Africa Lodge in Otjiwarongo, Namibia. The workshop was attended by forty six participants including Members of Parliament (MPs) and staff, representatives of government ministries, key populations and Civil Society Organization (CSOs) responsible for gender,education, health and youth. In attendance was also Honourable Petrina Haingura, the Chairperson of the Women Parliamentary Caucus of Namibia.

The workshop was aimed at strengthening the understanding of stakeholders and engaging participants regarding the implementation of the SRHR, HIV and AIDS and Governance program and clarifying the different roles they play and should play in its coordination.

The SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), the regional organization of the national Parliaments of SADC Member States announces the arrival on 23 August 2012, of its 22- member delegation to observe the 31 August 2012 General Elections in the Republic of Angola. The arrival of the delegation is at the invitation of the Electoral Commission of Angola. This is the 28th.

SADC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM

TERMS OF REFERENCE For Rapporteur "LEADERSHIP AND POLITICAL REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN" RWPC Advocacy and Lobbying Missions to Malawi, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe

These Terms of Reference will serve as the contractual agreement for rapporteuring during the RWPC Advocacy and Lobbying Missions, which will be undertaken in Malawi, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe

INTRODUCTION

The project seeks to bring more women into political and decision making positions by engaging political parties to review their manifestos and constitutions to see to it that they appreciate and articulate gender equality issues and to facilitate the review of the existing status quo in order to accelerate the achievement of the objectives of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development.

It is hoped that the ultimate results of this intervention will be that political parties and national parliaments create conditions that promote women political participation and ascension to leadership positions and a strong and well functioning multi-party Women Parliamentary Caucuses.

The Regional Women's Parliamentary Caucus as an established organ of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, provides an institutional framework to follow up on the political commitments on the equal participation and representation of women in positions of power and decision making at all levels as articulated in the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development (2008).

All the evidence from the SADC region and experiences around the globe demonstrates that the political participation and effective representation of women in positions of power and decision making at all levels has not yet happened. Rather, it is accelerated by multi dimensional strategies that build and inculcate the democratic governance ideal which implies the participation and contribution of all parts of the population without regard to class, sex, gender, ethnic or religious background.

The political participation and representation of women, who constitute more than half of the populations of SADC countries will necessarily imply an important democratic advance which is worthy of the SADC Parliamentary Forum to pursue in line with its 2011-2015 Strategy. This is premised in the Forum's recognition that attention to the political participation and representation of women in positions of power and decision making is essential to achieving gender equality and sound democratic governance in the region

Due to the fact that progress is slow and in some instances the small gains are being eroded, the SADC Parliamentary Forum has adopted measures that accelerate the transformation of electoral systems, political parties' constitutions and intra-party democracy processes from a gender perspective. The advocacy for women's political participation and representation in elective positions through political parties' constitutions and policies reforms, electoral reforms targeting electoral laws and systems reviews from a gender perspective, especially in the countries scheduled to have elections is expected to contribute to conducive environments that facilitate women's political participation and representation in the SADC region towards the goal of gender equality in parliament by 2015.

08th-16th, JULY 2012
"STRENGTHENING PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY"

1. The SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) 31st Plenary Assembly was held in Maputo, Mozambique, from the 8th to the 16th of July 2012, under the theme "Strengthening Parliamentary Democracy".

2. The Plenary Assembly was attended by 13 SADC member Parliaments namely; Angola, Botswana, The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The 31st Plenary Assembly duly noted an apology from the Parliament of the Republic of Seychelles.

3. Welcoming delegates to the 31st Plenary Assembly, the Secretary General of SADC PF, Dr.

Esau Chiviya, underscored that Parliaments are the building blocks for democracy and 
therefore called for the necessary constitutional, legal, normative and institutional arrangements to be put in place in order to strengthen their institutional independence and operational efficiency in line with the theme.

4. In her remarks during the 31st Plenary Assembly, Hon. Beatrice Nyamupinga, Chairperson of the Regional Women's Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC), lauded SADC member States that have integrated the African Women's Decade (2010-2020) under the auspices of the African Union, into their national agendas.

Hon. Nyamupinga further called upon SADC member States to accelerate the ratification of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development in order to facilitate its implementation. 
5. In her welcoming remarks, the host Speaker, Hon. Veronica Nataniel Macamo Dlhovo, Speaker of the National Assembly of Mozambique, observed that the theme "Strengthening Parliamentary Democracy" is vital for strengthening democracy in SADC. 
Further, Hon. Dlhovo re-affirmed the National Assembly of Mozambique's commitment to the establishment of a SADC Regional Parliament, adding that such a Parliament would strengthen friendship, peace and stability in the Region and aid regional integration.

6. Hon. Lovemore Moyo, Chairperson of the SADC PF and Speaker of the House of Assembly of Zimbabwe, reiterated the need for Parliaments to remain open and responsive in the performance of their duties in order to promote democracy and good governance.

Hon. Moyo reiterated the need for SADC to establish its Regional Parliament in order to accelerate the implementation of decisions of the Summit of Heads of State and Government for the benefit of SADC citizens. The Chairperson therefore called for continuous dialogue with the SADC Heads of State on the need to amend the SADC Treaty to include the establishment of a SADC Regional Parliament alongside other SADC institutions established in accordance with Article 9(1).

7. Officially opening the 31st Plenary Assembly, the Guest of Honour, His Excellency Armando Emilio Guebuza, President of the Republic of Mozambique, lauded SADC's deep rooted unity and praised the SADC PF for offering a regional parliamentary platform for political engagement and dialogue.

H.E. President Guebuza underscored that the 31st Plenary Assembly's theme, "Strengthening Parliamentary Democracy", aptly captures SADC Parliaments' common goal of responding to the needs of the citizens by monitoring and assisting Governments in the implementation of public policies and programmes. In this regard, he called upon the SADC PF to maintain its role in strengthening parliamentary democracy in the SADC Region.

8. Delivering a vote of thanks during the 31st Plenary Assembly official opening ceremony, Rt.

Hon. Henry Chimunthu Banda, Speaker of the National Assembly of Malawi, expressed 
appreciation for the role that Mozambique, a founding member of SADC, is playing in facilitating regional integration. He also expressed hope that the issue of a SADC Parliament will be discussed at the SADC Summit to held in Maputo in August 2012.

9. Addressing the Plenary Assembly deliberative session, Mr Murumba Werunga, Emeritus Clerk, Parliament of Kenya, who heads the Centre for Parliamentary Studies and Training, urged Parliamentarians as the elected representatives of the people, to prioritise the needs and aspirations of the people in their work, thereby strengthening parliamentary democracy and good governance in SADC.

Mr. Werunga implored SADC Parliaments to continue instituting legislative reforms in order to strengthen their institutional independence and operational efficiency. 
10. SADC member Parliaments, in presenting their Country Reports to the 31st Plenary Assembly, emphasised the need for respecting the principle of separation of powers between the three arms of Government as a way of strengthening democracy within SADC countries. They therefore called for legislative reforms to be sustained in order to strengthen the role of Parliament in building functional and sustainable democracies in the Region.

11. In pursuit of SADC PF's transformation to a Regional Parliament, the Plenary Assembly resolved that from the 33rd Plenary Assembly, all its Sessions will be changed from the current conference style to start operating like a Parliament, thus adopting parliamentary procedures. 
12. The 31st Plenary Assembly adopted the Benchmarking and Self-Assessment Toolkit, paving way for implementation of the Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures in Southern Africa. In adopting the Self-Assessment Toolkit, the 31st Plenary Assembly noted that it is a useful reference instrument for National Parliaments to transform and become more democratic institutions.

13. The Plenary congratulated the people of the Kingdom of Lesotho for holding credible elections and for respecting the will of the people as demonstrated by the acceptance of results and the smooth transfer of power, adding that this is a good practice that should be emulated by other countries in the Region and the continent.

14. The Plenary Assembly further noted with satisfaction the continued and enhanced cooperation between the SADC PF and the SADC Secretariat which serves to enhance the implementation of SADC Protocols and other decisions for the benefit of SADC citizens.

15. Plenary Assembly noted with gratitude the progress made in mobilising resource for the implementation of SADC PF Programmes and thus welcomed the support from the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), Friederich- Ebert-Stiftung (FES), Open Society Institute for Southern Africa (OSISA), Swedish Agency for International Development (SIDA) and UN Women. The Plenary encouraged other international cooperating partners and the private sector in SADC to support Parliaments as a way of strengthening parliamentary democracy.

16. The 31st Plenary Assembly thanked the National Assembly and people of Mozambique for the warm hospitality extended to delegates during the 31st Plenary. 
17. The 32nd Plenary Assembly of the SADC PF will be hosted by the Parliament of the Republic of Malawi in October 2012.

Issued at Polana Serena Hotel, Maputo, Republic of Mozambique

14th July, 2012