Programmes - SADC Parliamentary Forum

Remarks by the Chairperson of the SADC PF Standing Committee on Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights, Hon. Dought Ndiweni

157 times

Remarks by the Chairperson of the SADC PF Standing Committee on Democratisation, Governance And Human Rights, HON. DOUGHT NDIWENI - DGHR Chairperson 4 Nov 2022

REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SADC PF STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEMOCRATISATION, GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS, HON. DOUGHT NDIWENI DURING THE REGIONAL POLICY DIALOGUE ON “STRENGTHENING SEPARATION OF POWERS & PARLIAMENTARY OVERSIGHT IN THE SADC REGION: A LEAP TOWARDS DEMOCRATIC ACCOUNTABILITY AND INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE” HELD ON 4^TH AND 5^TH NOVEMBER 2022 AT PREMIER HOTEL JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

Welcome Remarks by Her Excellency Boemo Sekgoma, Secretary General, SADC Parliamentary Forum during The Regional Policy Dialogue

217 times

Welcome Remarks by Her Excellency Boemo Sekgoma, Secretary General, SADC Parliamentary Forum - during the Regional Policy Dialogue

WELCOME REMARKS BY HER EXCELLENCY BOEMO SEKGOMA, SECRETARY GENERAL, SADC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM DURING THE REGIONAL POLICY DIALOGUE ON “STRENGTHENING SEPARATION OF POWERS & PARLIAMENTARY OVERSIGHT IN THE SADC REGION: A LEAP TOWARDS DEMOCRATIC ACCOUNTABILITY AND INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE” HELD ON 4^TH AND 5^TH NOVEMBER 2022 AT PREMIER HOTEL JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

CONCEPT NOTE AND PROGRAMME Regional Policy Dialogue on “Strengthening Separation of Powers & Parliamentary Oversight in the SADC Region: A Leap towards Democratic Accountability and Inclusive Governance”

213 times

Concept Note & Programme - Strengthening Separation of Powers & Parliament Oversight

STATUTORY MEETING OF THE SADC PF STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

157 times

THEME: ‘TOWARDS BUILDING RESILIENT AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS THROUGH ENHANCED PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT. HOW CAN PARLIAMENTS CONTRIBUTE?’

SUNDAY, 1ST MAY 2022, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, AHEAD OF THE 51ST PLENARY ASSEMBLY

TIME	ITEM/TOPIC	PRESENTER
09:00 – 09:50	Credentials of Delegates and Apologies Adoption of Agenda Welcome Remarks by the Chairperson. Consideration of the Minutes of the previous Meeting of the Standing Committee on Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources held virtually on Tuesday, 12th October, 2021 under the theme “Water Resource Management in the SADC Region” ahead of the 50^th Plenary Assembly Session. Consideration of Matters Arising from the Minutes of the previous meeting.	Hon Leon Andre Tumba, Chairperson
09:50 – 10:20	Consideration of the theme: ‘Towards Building Resilient Agricultural Systems through Enhanced Public	Presenter - TBA
10:20 - 10:50	Committee’s Interactive Dialogue on Presentation
10:50 -11:10	TEA BREAK
11:10-12:10	Meeting with the Consultant for the SADC PF Strategic Plan (2019 to 2023) Review
12:10 -12:50	Election of FANR Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for 2022 to 2024 Speeches by the Outgoing Chairperson and Vice Chairperson Voting and Counting of Ballots Acceptance Speeches by the Elected Chairperson and Vice Chairperson	Secretary General
12:50-13:00	Closing Remarks and Adjournment	Hon Lekhetho Mosito, Vice Chairperson
LUNCH
END OF MEETING

Programme-FANR-Committee-April-2022

MINUTES OF THE VIRTUAL MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES (FANR) STANDING COMMITTEE HELD ON TUESDAY, 12THOCTOBER, 2021

115 times

PRESENT

Hon. Lekhetho Mosito, MP (Vice Chairperson) Lesotho

Hon. Helena Bonguela Abel, MP Angola

Hon. Tshitereke Baldwin Matibe, MP South Africa

Hon. Polson Majaga, MP Botswana

Hon. Tambudzani Mohadi, MP Zimbabwe

Hon. Carlos Manuel, MP Mozambique

Hon. Marie Genevieve Stephanie Anquetil, MP Mauritius

Hon Hawa Subira Mwaifunga, MP Tanzania

Hon Rocky Uranie, MP Seychelles

APOLOGIES

Apologies from the Parliaments of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Malawi, Eswatini, Madagascar, Namibia, were duly noted.

IN ATTENDANCE SADC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM SECRETARIAT

Ms Boemo Mmandu Sekgoma Secretary General

Ms Clare Musonda Director, Corporate Governance

Mr Sheuneni Kurasha Programme Manager, Democracy,

Governance and Human Rights

Ms Sharon Nyirongo Committee Secretary

Ms Betty Zulu Committee Secretary

Ms Edna Kanguya Committee Secretary

Ms Agness Lilungwe Personal Assistant to the Secretary General

Mr Ronald Windwaai ICT

Mr Wilfried Kongolo ICT

Mr Modise Kabeli Media Officer

Ms Paulina Kanguatjivi Programmes Coordinator

Resource Persons

Ms Beauty Shamboko Mbale Fresh Water Manager, World Wide Fund for

Nature, Zambia

Dr Patrice Kabeya Senior Programme Officer, Water Division,

Directorate of Infrastructure, Southern

African Development Community (SADC)

Secretariat

Mr Duncan Samikwa Senior Programme Officer, Directorate of

Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources,

SADC Secretariat

Mr Kidanemariam Jembere Senior Technical Advisor, Water, Climate,

Development and Gender, Global Water

Partnership – Southern Africa

Mr Andrew Takawira Senior Technical Advisor, Africa

Coordination Unit, Global Water

Partnership – Southern Africa

AGENDA

Credentials of Delegates and Apologies.

Adoption of the Agenda.

Welcomeremarks.

Consideration of the Minutes of the FANR Standing Committee held on Monday, 12th April, 2021.

Consideration of Matters Arising from the Minutes of the FANR Standing Committee meeting held on Monday, 12th April, 2021.

Presentation and discussion of the theme: “Water Resource Management in the SADC Region: What is the Role of Parliaments.”

Any Other Business.

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 hrs.

1. CREDENTIALS OF DELEGATES AND APOLOGIES

The credentials of the Committee were presented and the quorum was confirmed for the meeting to proceed.

2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

On a proposal by South Africa and seconded by Malawi, the Agenda was adopted as presented.

3. WELCOMING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON

In the absence of the Chairperson, Hon Lekheto Mosito presided over the meeting in his capacity as Vice Chairperson. Hon Mosito welcomed all Hon Members to the meeting. He further extended a special welcome to the Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum Ms Boemo Sekgoma. He informed Members that the Committee was meeting to deliberate on the theme‘Water Resource Management in the SADC Region: What is the Role of Parliaments?’

In his welcome remarks, Hon Mosito informed Hon Members that water played a significant role in most economic sectors such as agriculture, energy, mining, tourism, among others. He further stated that the allocation, development and protection of water was an essential prerequisite for economic growth and poverty reduction. However, water scarcity largely contributed to the ineffective operations of these sectors. It was estimated that more than 75 per cent of the African population used groundwater as its main source of drinking water. This was true for Southern African countries such as Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

The Vice Chairperson noted that climate change was threatening the water security of the region. He pointed out that according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, climate change was likely to increase risks of natural hazards and hydrological events. He stated that if not addressed and given that 95 per cent of agriculture in SADC was rain fed, the region may became food insecure. He urged Hon Members to ensure that respective Member States heightened measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Lastly, Hon Mosito reminded Hon Members that attainment of some of the SADC regional commitments and global development goals were dependent on a watersecure region. He called on the Hon Members to utilise their oversight function and ensure that the goals and objectives entrenched in policies, strategies and laws on water were implemented and domesticated in respective member states.

4. CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES OF THE VIRTUAL MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON FANR HELD ON MONDAY, 12THAPRIL, 2021

On a proposal by South Africa and seconded by Mauritius, the minutes of the previous meeting were adopted without amendments.

The presentations including the plenary discussions, conclusions and recommendations were made as set out below.

5. Presentation on Water Resources Management in the SADC Region: The Role of Parliaments

The presentation was delivered by Mr Beauty Mbale, Fresh Water Manager WWF-Zambia

Ms Mbale began by outlining the findings of the situational analysis of water in the SADC region. She stated that the region was expansive with unevenly distributed water resources compared to the population and settlement patterns. The meeting was informed that groundwater supplies were estimated at about 27 percent and 35 per cent of the water needs of urban and rural communities, respectively, in the region. Ms Mbale noted that the region’s water security was at risk due to competing economic activities, population growth and the adverse effects of a changing climate. Globally, the water sector was among the most affected by climate change, and the SADC region had not been spared from this problem due to its low institutional capacity to adapt to climate change.

Ms Mbale affirmed that the SADC region considered water resource management as a pivotal instrument for promoting peace in the Southern African region through transboundary and regional cooperation. She informed the meeting that in order to foster cooperation on transboundary basins in the region, there was need to harmonise legislation, policies and strategies on water. She highlighted some of the important regional documents that impacted water resource management as outlined below.

SADC Revised protocol on shared watercourses (2000).

Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP).

Regional Water Strategy (2006).

SADC Regional Water Policy (adopted in 2005).

Hon Members were informed that the transboundary nature of many of the region’s basins and aquifers presented a challenge to effectively manage water resources. This was further exacerbated by failure to link developmental activities of Member States, for instance, development on the upstream side of one country could negatively impact the downstream flow of another Member State. Ms Mbale further informed the meeting that the amount of groundwater in the region was not fully known. In that regard, she urged Hon Members through the necessary SADC water governance structures to conduct research in that field. She added that there was a strain on the region’s water due to pressure from increased abstraction as a result of population increase. Industrialisation as well as the effects of climate change also contributed to the pressure. Ms Mbale emphasised the importance of ensuring that there was a balance between competing pressures for different usesto ensure a water secure region.

Ms Mbale summed up her presentation by stating that it was imperative for Member States to adopt an integrated and basin wide approach to development. In that light, she informed Hon Members that WWF was supporting a project in the Kwando region that involved four SADC countries, namely; Angola, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. She informed the meeting that WWF supported the Kwando Joint Action Group by providing a platform for dialogue on how best to manage the Kwando River. As part of its continued efforts to promote cooperation among Member States, WWF planned to offer support towards formulation of a Strategic Environmental Assessment to harmonise developmental activities of the affected countries.

6. Presentation on SADC Programmes on Water and Natural Resources Management

The presentation was delivered by Dr Patrice Kabeya, Senior Programme Officer and Mr Duncan Samikwa both from the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Water Division.

The meeting was informed that the SADC Water Vision was based on equitable and sustainable utilisation of water for social and environmental justice, regional integration and economic benefit for present and future generations. In line with the Regional Strategic Action Plan (RSAP), which had a five year cycle, the SADC region envisioned to have a water secure region which was resilient, peaceful and prosperous.

Hon Members were further informed that the SADC region was committed to deliver on its aspirations through various water projects and programmes. He stated that a Framework had been formulated which resonated with the RSAP and embedded the regional goals of economic growth and development, peace and security, equity and social inclusion, regional integration and sustainable development with specific thematic areas on energy security, safety security from water related disasters, health and food, water supply and sanitation services. The Framework was guided by three pillars, namely, Water Governance and Integration Pillar; Water Infrastructure Development Pillar; and Water ResourcesManagement Pillar.

Hon Members were informed that the SADC Regional Agriculture Policy (RAP) of 2014, the Regional Agriculture Investment Plan (RAIP) and the Food and Nutrition Strategy had an impact on the region’s water resources. Further, RAIP objective one stated that ‘Access to factors of production, water and resource agriculture and energy for and from agriculture’ had a huge bearing on the water and energy sectors. Whereas priority number two of the RAIP promoted collective action among countries in addressing water issues of transboundary nature.

Dr Kabeya informed Hon Members that the regulatory and policy framework of the SADC water sector was governed by the RegionalProtocol on Shared Watercourses (2000), Regional Water Policy (2005) and Regional Water Strategy (2006).He informed the meeting The SADCSecretariat in partnership with cooperating partners had implemented anumber of programmes and projects as outlined below.

Two cross-border water projects, namely, Lomahasha-Namaacha Water Supply and Sanitation Project between Eswatini and Mozambique and Kazungula Water Project in Zambia supported by the SADC Regional Water Fund.

The Climate Resilient Projects (through United Kingdom support in collaboration with the USAID and other partners.

Establishment and Strengthening of River Basin Organisations (RBOs), managing the joint programmes of various basins

Groundwater Development – for improved and sustainable livelihoods supported by the SADC GMI and World Bank supported)

Water, Energy and Food Security (WEF) nexus project (supported by the European Union).

Cross-Border WASH Projects (as a COVID-19 related response), the SADC Secretariat received funding from the Germany Government, so far pilot projects were being implemented between the borders of the Republic of South Africa and Zimbabwe. If successful, other the project to be replicated in other SADC borders.

The Water Transfer Project called the Songwe River Multi-purpose Infrastructure Development Project between Lesotho and Botswana and the Lesotho-Highlands Project.

Capacity building Development and research programmes: Waternet Programme: Running a flagship Masters Programme on IWRM, offered mainly at the Universities of Zimbabwe and Tanzania Dar-es- Salaam and the Southern African NEPAD Water Centre of Excellence Programme.

Mr Samikwa informed the meeting that the RAIP had seven programmes, the second programme focused on agriculture infrastructure development whose objective was to enhance access to agriculture infrastructure including water, energy, land, roads, storage and other relevant infrastructure. It was hoped that this would result in effective and efficient production systems for improved productivity.

The meeting was briefed on the water infrastructure developments in the region. The meeting was informed that the feasibility study for the Chirundu Cross- Border Water Supply and Sanitation Project between Zambia and Zimbabwe had been completed under the auspices of the German and United Kingdom Governments. The meeting was further informed that the detailed designs for the Lomahasha and Namaacha water project had been completed and the tender was issued in March, 2021 for construction. With regard the Kazungula Water Project, feasibility studies were completed and detailed designs were earmarked for completion in July 2021, supported from the Germany Government through the SADC Water Fund. Mr Samikwa stated that the beneficiary Statesfor the Kazungula Water Project included Eswatini, Mozambique and Zambia.

In terms of the industrialisation and nexus approach, the meeting was informed that through support from the European Union, the SADC Secretariat was implementing the WEF nexus project. In that regard, a Regional WEF Framework had been developed and was approved by the SADC Water Ministers responsible for water in October, 2020. Hon Members were further informed that following adoption of the Framework, a regional tool had been developed to guide implementation of the WEF, among other uses, the tool would be used for screening for joint WEF investment programmes in the region. The meeting was further informed that the SADC Secretariat had received support and funding from the European Union for the second phase of the project.

With regard programmes on water resource management for sustainable development, Dr Kabeya informed Hon Members that a SADC Groundwater Management Institute, Centre of Excellence based in South Africa was established to spearhead the programme. He added that livelihood demonstration projects under the progamme were completed except for those in Angola, Botswana, Lesotho and Zimbabwe. The first phase of the project was supported by the World Bank and based on its success, the second phase would be would also be supported by the Bank. To that effect, Hon Members were informed that the SADC Secretariat had commenced negotiations on the finalisation and subsequent signing of the grant agreement for phase II of the Project.

Hon Members were further informed that various cooperating partners were providing assistance to the SADC Secretariat in order to support River Basin Organisations (RBO). The results of such partnerships were evidenced by the creation of the newly established Cuvelai Watercourse Commission between Angola and Namibia, the INCO-MAPUTO RBO for Eswatini, Mozambique and South Africa which was in the process of being established, with an interim Secretariat already in place.With regard, the Buzi-Pungwe-Save Tri-basin RBO between Mozambique and Zimbabwe, both countries had committed to establish the RBO and negotiations were ongoing on the specific basin agreements.

In terms of enhancing stakeholder engagementsin the water sector, Hon Members were informed that there were several gender capacity building activities being implemented with a specific thematic focus on gender, gender for budgeting, gender mainstreaming, gender in infrastructure development. Others included the Gender Focal Point training workshops, including the establishment ofa Regional Youth Forum borne out of stakeholder engagements. The SADC Secretariat was in the process of sourcing for funds to operationalise the Regional Youth Forum.

7. Presentation on the SADC Programme on Water and Natural Resources Management

The final presentation was made by Mr Andrew Takawira and Mr Kidanemariam from the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa.

The presentation highlighted some of the key challenges of managing water

resources as outlined below.

(a) Uneven distribution of water resources in the region

The region’s water resources potential was estimated at 2 300 km3/year of the renewable freshwater resources. However, the distribution of the resources in the region was uneven with annual average rainfall ranging from 300 mm per year in Namibia to 1530 mm per year in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

(b)Climate change impacts on water resources

A number of climate change impacts as evidenced by floods in some parts of the region for instance the 2019 cyclone Idai was cited as having destroyed and damaged about US$$1 billion of infrastructure, 100,000 homes, and 1 million acres of crops. Further, drought affected water sources by draying up rivers, depleting groundwater, causing changes in the rainfall distribution, degraded wetlands which were critical ecosystems for supporting various services.

(c) Coping with increasing demands for water compared to supply

Increasing population, urbanisation and economic activities made it difficult to sustain key services having an impact on the demand for water compared to the supply.

(d) The issue of low investments to meet the demand for water was a major concern for the region.

Mr Takawira briefed Hon Members on some of the capacity building programmes it undertook with other institutions to ameliorate some of the challenges that the region faced. Hon Members were informed that the SADC Ground Water Management Institute (SADC-GMI), was a subsidiary institute of SADC Secretariat and all the sixteen SADC countries belonged to SADC-GMI. The meeting was further informed that GWP collaborated with WaterNet also a SADC subsidiary institute that was hosted by the University of Zimbabwe to promote capacity building programmes in the water sector. WaterNet had a membership of seventy eight mainly from universities and academic institutions that focused on water resource management in the region and offered masters and doctorates programmes including short professional courses in integrated water resource management. The Institute also contributed to the SADC research agenda by supporting research activities. Notably, the Institute conducted outreach programmes in the form of symposia on an annual basis, where young scientists had a platform to showcase their work.

Mr Kidanemariam informed the Hon Members about other progammes that GWP and SADC Secretariat collaborated in line with RSAP. He cited the SADC Transboundary Water Programme, SADC Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus Programme, SADC Global Climate Change Alliance (GCCA+) and the Africa Continental Water Investment Program (AIP) as part the programmes being implemented jointly between GWP and SADC. He explained that under the AIP programme, there were sub programmes such as Gender Transformative, Weather Climate Development Programme and the Programme Infrastructure Development in Africa programmes. There were also country level water partnerships, providing multi stakeholder platforms on water issues.

Mr Kidanemariam noted that the gender dimension was very important towards efforts to build climate resilience because of the different vulnerabilities that people experienced. He stated that vulnerabilities manifested in terms of failure by people to access natural resources such as land and water, coupled with lack of access to information and technology. He added that certain policies and social norms also created inequalities between different members of society. In that regard, the Gender Equality in Water Security and Climate Resilience Building programme was a huge milestone towards ensuring climate water security resilience for all. Still on climate change, Mr Kidanemariam informed the meeting that GWP through the African Union Africa Water Investment Programme, offered capacity building support to Member States to develop bankable project proposals to access finance from the Green Climate Fund.

Hon Members were informed that the continent’s water investments ought to be US$64 billion per year in order to achieve some of the aspirations of Agenda 2063. Lamentably, water investments stood at between US$10 billion to US$19 billion per year. Mr Kidanemariam informed the Committee that efforts were underway through the Africa Water Investment Programme under the African Union to mobilise about US$30 billion by the year 2030.

STATEMENT OF PLEA BY HON CARLOS MANUEL, MP, ON BEHALF OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOZAMBIQUE ON ITS INTENTION TO APPLY FOR PERMANENT MEMBERSHIP OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL OF THE UNITED NATIONS (UN)

Hon Manuel stated that the theme considered by the FANR Committee was very important taking into consideration that the water sector was among the most affected by the adverse effects of climate change. He further explained that Hon Members as representatives of the people in the SADC region had a duty to contribute towards efforts to make the region water secure. He informed Hon Members that he was a bearer of a message from the Republic of Mozambique concerning his country’s intention to present its candidature as a permanent member of the Security Council of the UN at the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly to be held in June, 2022. He further informed Hon Members that Mozambique’s intention had already been endorsed by the African Union, SADC, Portuguese speaking countries as well as the Caribbean community. He stated that Mozambique was optimistic that it would secure a place on the UN Security Council given its contribution towards the liberation movement of the Southern African countries. He added that Mozambique was one of the founding members of the frontline countries in the successful implementation of peace building operations of the UN between the years 1992 and 1994. He ended by making a clarion call to SADC Member States to support Mozambique’s candidature.

Statement by the Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum

The Secretary General extended gratitude to the resource persons for providing the Committee with valuable information. She informed Hon Members that the presentations had brought to light an interesting dimension in as far as interrogating water resource management in the region was concerned. She added that the Standing Committee on FANR could in the future undertake a study on a similar theme with special focus on water resource governance during pandemics. The Secretary General informed the meeting that water had become an important resource especially during the COVID 19 pandemic, where as in the past water was mainly relegated to domestic, industrial and other uses, the pandemic had actually revealed the importance of water in the health sector. In that regard, the Secretary General noted that it was important for the region to understand the clinical manifestation of water borne infections during pandemics.

Conclusions and Resolutions

Following the presentations and discussions, the FANR Committee concluded

and resolved as follows:

There was need for the SADC Member States to conduct research in order to ascertain the potential of groundwater in the region. This would result in effective planning and sustainable management of water.

The Committee made a clarion call to Member States to appreciate and provide support towards implementation of the WEF nexus programme, noting that water challenges were becoming complex and interfering with the key developmental sectors such as energy, agriculture, transportationand communication, among others.

In light of the WEF nexus approach, there was a need for respective Member States to ensure that the policies, strategies and legislation onwater were aligned to the principles of integrated water resource management.

The Committee resolved to urge Members States to adopt an integratedand basin wide approach to development, noting that developmentalactivities of one Member State could have a negative impact on another country.

There was need to provide support to SADC Parliamentarians to enable them address new and emerging challenges such as climate change, COVID 19 pandemic, gender and social inequalities all of which impacted water resource management.

SADC Parliamentarians to strengthen their representative role and utilise it to raise awareness on the challenges that beset water resource management in the region.

Need for strengthened oversight and harmonisation of legislation across the SADC region to ensure smooth and effective implementation of programmes.

SADC Parliaments to lobby respective Governments to increase budgetary allocations towards the water sector to promote investments that can guarantee a water secure region.

The Acting Chairperson thanked the Members for their participation and valuable contributions. He also placed on record his appreciation for the expert information which was shared by the resource persons and expressed the Committee’s desire to learn more about integrated water resource management.

There being no further business, the FANR Committee meeting was adjourned at 12:20 hours.

_______________________________ ________________________

Hon. Lekhetho Mosito Sharon B M Nyirongo

ACTING CHAIRPERSON COMMITTEE SECRETARY

Minutes-of-the-FANR-Committee-12-October-2021

CONCEPT NOTE FOR THE MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES SUNDAY, 1ST MAY, 2022 9.00 AM TO 17.00PM CAT

120 times

THEME: PARTICIPATION OF PARLIAMENTS TOWARDS BUILDING RESILIENT AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS IN THE SADC REGION THROUGH ENHANCED PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Agriculture is both a source of food security and a core economic activity across all SADC Member States. The agriculture sector has significant social and economic importance in the SADC region, contributing between 4 percent and 27 percent of Gross Domestic Product among the different SADC countries, and approximately 13 percent of export earnings overall. Furthermore, about 70 percent of the region’s population depends on agriculture for food, income, and employment.

Public Financial Management (PFM) relates to how governments raise public resources and manage these public resources and the immediate and medium to long term effect of these sources on the economy and citizens.2 Parliamentarians, as elected officials representing their constituencies, play a critical role throughout the PFM cycle. PFM policies vary by country and can cover issues related to tax law, budget management, debt management, subsidies, and state-owned enterprises. A well-functioning PFM system is critical to ensuring accountability and efficiency in the use of public financial resources, while a weak PFM system can result in significant wastage of scarce resources.

SADC countries have committed to several continental and regional aspirations on agriculture some of which include, the Maputo Declaration, which calls for

https://www.sadc.int/themes/agriculture-food-security/

https://www.cabri-sbo.org/uploads/files/Documents/Cabri_Module-1-ENG.pdf

https://www.fpfinancingroadmap.org/learning/specific-topics/public-financial-management

Member States to increase agricultural budget allocations to 10 percent and pursue agricultural growth of 6 percent in addition to setting up the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). Other instruments include the Regional Agricultural Policy (RAP) of 2013 and Regional Agricultural Investment Plan (RAIP) for the period 2017-2022, among others. Despite such efforts, progress in agriculture in the region remains static, partly due to lack of accountability and transparency in the use ofpublic resources in implementing agricultural programmes. Many countries in the world face challenges related to financial mismanagement such as poor financial reporting practice, weak internal control systems, weak financial

administration, unethical relationships with vendors of agriculture suppliesand rush spending of budget at the end of the budget year.5 This, coupled with corruption in government contracts or licenses for agricultural supplies, make it difficult for agriculture to thrive.

Further, poor quality, undelivered goods and high prices are typical outcomes from collusion between government officials and private sector firms. In some instances, government agencies connive with private companies in purchasing fertiliser at exorbitant prices and in turn receive a share of the profit. Without a doubt, this has increased the cost of agricultural production and eliminated

competition in the fertiliser industry as small agro dealers have little chance of obtaining government contracts. This eventually affects some farmers who receive low quality planting materials, unhealthy farm animals and are victims of undelivered farm equipment from the state.6 In addition, fraudulent schemes involving other agricultural inputs such as seed and fertilisers are common. Corruption in the allocation of government subsidies, bribery in government contracts or licences for agricultural supplies are also rampant.7 Given the vastness of the agricultural sector, from small scale subsistence farming to large commercial plantations, understanding the sector's value chain to map appropriate corruption risks and anti-corruption measures can be a helpful exercise.

The agricultural sector has long been identified as fundamental to transforming

livelihoods and opportunities on the African continent and has the potential to

do a lot to address this imbalance. 80 percent of farmers in sub-Saharan Africa

are smallholders, typically with less than two hectares of land.8 Poverty is

For the Maputo Declaration, see: https://bit.ly/2PQ4EhX

TRANSTEC, Public Governance: Public Finance Management Research Park, Last update January 2017, Belgium www.transtec.be

https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/34085/Main-Report.pdf?sequence=4

Zúñiga, N. 2018. Land corruption: Topic guide. Transparency International.

The Role of Smallholder Farms in a Changing World. The Role of Smallholder Farms in Food and Nutrition Security, 2020 ISBN : 978-3-030-42147-2Shenggen Fan, Christopher Rue

pervasive amongst them, with millions living below the poverty line. Farmers have little power to fight corrupt institutions. However, transparent management of the agricultural sector that empowers farmers through robust PFM could be one of the best tools the region has to fight poverty at scale. A healthy and prosperous agricultural sector which is regularly overseen by Parliament could be the engine for economic growth on the continent. The World Bank projects that agriculture and agribusiness in Africa have the potential to make up a US$1 trillion industry by 2030, but this will only happen if embezzlement, fraud and bribery are addressed. Transparency is a potent weapon in fighting corruption. The public sector should prioritise efforts to create and enforce legal frameworks that promote transparency and root out corruption.

2.0 LEVERAGING THE PFM MODEL LAW TO ELEVATE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

Oversight of PFM frameworks by Parliament can become a powerful tool to heighten the strength and resilience of agricultural systems. Members of Parliament can interrogate Governmental measures relating to agriculture in the budget and demand explanations on the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 on food security and sustainable agriculture. The pathway to query the alignment with the SDGs is provided for in the Model Law on PFM which is under development at the Forum. This would occur in the form of an SDG Statement and other statements which compare the level of agricultural development with standards set out in international treaties and conventions signed by the Member States. The scrutiny of budget measures with respect to the SDGs and other commitments taken will augment the stimulus for the Executive to promote pro-agricultural measures with a view of harmonising national and regional agendas, thus ultimately benefiting food security and agriculture in the SADC region.

In addition, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which is the main parliamentary body exercising oversight on Government accounts, will haveenhanced powers under the Model Law to scrutinise reports from decentralised agricultural bodies and departments. Currently, the PAC usually has the power to only review the report of the Auditor General. With the advent of the Model Law, the PAC will be empowered to look at all accounting and financial reports of agricultural bodies and organisations which are funded by the State. Under the Model Law, Parliament will also exercise control over the debt ceiling of the State, and hence more domestic funding would be available in the long term to finance programmes for food security and agro-business.

3.0 OBJECTIVES OF THE MEETING

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2013/03/04/africas-food-markets-could-create-one-trilliondollar-opportunity-2030

The aim of the meeting of the Standing Committee on Food, Agriculture and

Natural Resources is to explore how effective public finance management can

be utilised as a tool to build resilient agricultural systems in the region.

The specific objectives are to:

assess how the Model Law can contribute to improved utilisation of public financial resources and enhance the performance of the agriculture sector in the SADC region;

establish the challenges inhibiting effective public finance management in the agriculture sector, and assess how the Model Law can be utilised to develop a turnaround strategy;

make recommendations on how legislatures can use their oversight role to foster effective public finance management in the agriculture sector; and

reflect on a theme for the 51st Plenary Assembly of the Forum in line with current regional and world affairs, such as the energy crisis i.e the upward escalation of oil, natural gas and diesel prices due to speculations on the energy market, and the need for the SADC region to be more energy efficient and attain SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy.

4.0 PARTICIPANTS

The meeting is designed for Honourable Members of the SADC PF Standing Committee on Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources.

5.0 METHODOLOGY

This meeting will be held Johannesburg, South Africa. A panel of experienced resource persons will make presentations, followed by an interactive session to explore ways in which Parliaments can utilise their oversight function to enhance public finance management in the agriculture sector in the SADC region. Therefore, the Session will be delivered through presentations. Further, Hon Members will be provided an opportunity to engage the resource persons during the plenary session.

6.0 EXPECTED OUTCOMES

It is expected that Hon Members will gain a deeper understanding on what is required to build resilient agriculture systems through enhanced social accountability and effectivje public finance management.

Concept-Note-FANR-Committee-April-2022

SADC PF STANDING COMMITTEES SESSION (HYBRID MEETING) 51ST SADC PF PLENARY ASSEMBLY SESSION DATES: 22ND APRIL TO 3RD MAY 2022 VENUE: RADISSON HOTEL, SOUTH AFRICA

156 times

Message from the Speaker of Malawi ssage from the Speaker of Malawi

On behalf of the Parliament of Malawi, I wish to welcome Honourable Members and all other Delegates meetings of Standing Committee of the SADC Parliamentary Forum which will be physically held in Johannesburg, South Africa from 26th April to 3rd May, 2022. The meetings are being held in preparations to the 51st Plenary Assembly Session of the Forum which Malawi is expected to host from 7th to 16th July, 2022.

The Standing Committees are meeting in fulfilment of their constitutional mandate as oversight organs of the SADC Parliamentary Forum.

I would like, therefore, to wish you all the best during the deliberations in this session and hope that the resolutions from these meetings will go a long way in enhancing the spirit regional integration and cooperation amongst the SADC Member States.

Once again, welcome to Malawi, the Warm Heart of Africa.

Rt. Hon Catherine Gotani Hara

Speaker of the Parliament of Malawi

CONCEPT NOTE SADC-PF STANDING COMMITTEE SESSION 22ND APRIL TO 3RD MAY 2022 AHEAD OF THE 51ST PLENARY ASSEMBLY OF THE SADC-PF TO BE HOSTED BY PARLIAMENT OF MALAWI

I. Background and situational context

In recent years, Public Financial Management (PFM) has been identified as a key tenet of democratic frameworks, bearing strong links with the rule of law, constitutionalism and parliamentary sovereignty. In that regard, the 46th Plenary Assembly of the SADC-PF identified the inherent deficiencies which existed in PFM regimes of SADC Member States and called for swift reform through the development of a Model Law on PFM which would stand as a guiding legislative benchmark for the inspiration of national Parliaments. According to the evidence generated by the country rankings relating to democracy and governance indices published worldwide (the EIU and Mo Ibrahim Indices), the SADC region is grappling with issues of corruption, fraud, nepotism, cronyism, all of which share common roots with the way public finances are being managed.

The development of a PFM Model Law is a coveted ambition of the SADC-PF which remains to date unmatched around the globe: it is the first Model Law of its kind in the world.

It was thus intended that the PFM Model Law would serve as a landmark regional benchmark to consolidate the oversight powers of SADC Parliaments over various PFM processes, including the budget process, supplementary appropriation, public debt, scrutiny of public operations through the Public Accounts Committee, to cite but a few areas of concern. In addition, the PFM Model Law is aimed at helping to consolidate the democratic drive by encouraging the mainstreaming of the Sustainable Development (SDGs) into the budget process and to remain visible; that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is progressively implemented; and that provision for SRHR and HIV/AIDS Governance is improved at every budget exercise. Furthermore, the PFM Model Law encompasses the use of new technologies such as cryptocurrencies which may have an undeniable impact on public finances in years to come. With the advent of the SADC Model Law on PFM, it is envisioned that Southern Africa may become a powerhouse of social and economic prosperity which is equally respectful of human rights and democratic principles.

II. The Joint Session of Standing Committees

The Forum is proceeding with its statutory Committee session from the 27th of April to 4th May 2022, which constitutes a unique occasion for all Standing Committees and the Regional Women Parliamentary Caucus to reflect, consult and deliberate on the PFM Model Law, prior to its adoption at the 51st Plenary Assembly of the Forum. Since the Model Law has been developed in a holistic fashion, it is important for all Standing Committees and the RWPC to consider its provisions from their respective thematic lenses, such that the Model Law becomes a well-balanced legislative instrument which is robustly grounded in all the key intervention areas of the Forum. It is thus important for Standing Committees and the RWPC to hit the mark and give polishing remarks for the Model Law to crystallise and be ready for recommendation to the Plenary Assembly.

III. Areas of the PFM Model Law to be covered by each Standing Committee

The central objective of the Committee session will thus be to focus on the need for PFM reform, with the Model Law being showcased as an enabler of parliamentary efforts for progressive PFM measures. Each Standing Committee will be earmarked to reflect and deliberate on satellite themes which are relevant to its mandate and which gravitate around the central theme of PFM, as follows:

1. The Human and Social Development and Special Programmes Committee (HSDSP)

Reflections are by the Committee centred around the mainstreaming of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UHC and SRHR through budget documents to be tabled in Parliament as provided for in the Model Law.

Part of the Model Law to consider: Part 7 (In particular sections 59 to 61)

2. The Committee on Trade, Industry, Finance and Infrastructure (TIFI)

The Committee may wish to focus on Part 8 of the Model Law regarding Government borrowing since it impacts to a huge extent on the level of investment made. Part 9 on Procurement and Part 10 on Public Accounts are also areas of interest to the Committee.

3. The Committee on Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR)

The Committee is to engage in reflections on the ways in which the PFM Model Law may be used to improve budget allocations to heighten FANR initiatives, including green and ecological farming, climate change adaptation, pesticide free cultivation, among others. The Committee may consider how to leverage tax and non-fiscal incentives through the budget process to heighten sustainable agricultural initiatives.

4. The Committee on Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights (DGHR)

The Committee may wish to brainstorm on the provisions of the Model Law relating to checks and balances, and parliamentary control, in particular Part 6. This Part focuses on the functions and powers of the Public Accounts Committee and on the type of reports that it may review apart from the report of the Auditor General.

5. The Committee on Gender Equality, Women Advancement, Youth Development (GEWAYD)

Reflections to be centred on gender-based budgeting and gender mainstreaming into the budget exercise and on ways to achieve these two aspirations through explanatory budget statements.

Part of the Model Law to consider: Part 7 (In particular sections 60- 62)

6. The Regional Women Parliamentary Caucus

The RWPC may wish to consider the avenues to improve decision-making by women, and to enhance women participation in the budget exercise. Reflections focus on Part 7 relating to the National Budget and the need to provide for the inclusive participation of women to the consultative process.

IV. Specific Objectives of the Standing Committee Session

The Specific Objectives of the Committee Session are as follows:

a) Take stock of the diverse PFM stakeholder consultations which took place during the period February to April 2022, including with judicial officers, prosecutors, line ministries, state law officers, central banks, to cite but a few;

b) Consider the ways in which the stakeholder consultations have shaped the provisions of the Model Law;

c) Take cognisance of relevant views and comments from stakeholder consultations for MPs to deliberate and decide upon in view of proposing amendments to the Model Law, if necessary;

d) Deliberate on provisions of the Model law from a holistic and thematic perspective, with each Committee addressing the thematic content most relevant to its mandate; and

e) Validate the provisions of the Model Law for onward adoption of the 51st Plenary Assembly.

V. Elections of new Office Bearers

By virtue of Rule 39(1) of the Rules of Procedure, the Standing Committee Sessions will also elect new Office Bearers for the positions of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, positions which are filled every two years, bearing in mind the principle of rotation. Member countries which have not yet assumed these positions of responsibility will thus have the opportunity of presenting their representatives as candidates for elections. In accordance with Rule 38(5), gender considerations must be taken into account in electing office bearers, so that to the extent practically possible, where a male MP is elected Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson shall be female, and vice-versa, (this applies except for the RWPC where both leadership positions are occupied by female MPs).

The newly constituted leadership of Committees will thus guide the Committees of the Forum towards the 51st Plenary Assembly Session and will continue to lead the execution of Committee work plans for the next two years.

VI. Venue

The Joint Session will be a hybrid meeting with the physical session taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa, at a venue to be confirmed.

ACTIVITY PROGRAMME

DAY 1 FRIDAY 22ND APRIL	Virtual Meeting of the Regional Parliamentary Oversight Committee (RPMLOC)
09:00-10:45	Statutory Virtual Meeting of the RPMLOC to track progress on the domestication of SADC Model Laws by Member Parliaments
10:45-11:00	Tea Break
11:00-13:00	Statutory Virtual Meeting of the RPMLOC
13:00-14:00	Lunch Break
14:00-15:30	Statutory Virtual Meeting of the RPMLOC
DAY 2 MONDAY 25th APRIL	Virtual Statutory Meeting of the Regional Women Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC)
09:00-10:45	Statutory Virtual Meeting of the RWPC to share experiences of and gain knowledge on the work done by Women’s Caucuses at national level and look for ways to build efficiency through increased dialogue at the regional level
10:45-11:00	Tea Break
11:00-13:00	Statutory Virtual Meeting of the RWPC
13:00-14:00	Lunch Break
14:00-15:00	Statutory Virtual Meeting of the RWPC
15:00-15:30	Elections for RWPC Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for 2022 to 2024
DAY 3 TUESDAY 26TH APRIL	Arrival of HSDSP and GEWAYD Members for the side event for the 27th of April 2022, hosted in collaboration with SAFAIDS
DAY 4 WEDNESDAY 27TH APRIL	Arrival of All other Delegates SIDE EVENT PROGRAMME for HSDSP and GEWAYD Members REGIONAL LEGISLATIVE SENSITISATION HIGH-LEVEL MEETING ON SAFE ABORTION CASE STUDIES FOR MPS AND SECTORAL LEADERSHIP POLICY ADVOCACY DIALOGUE WITH PARLIAMENTARIANS ON PREVENTION OF UNSAFE ABORTIONS AND EARLY AND UNINTENDED PREGNANCIES IN THE SADC REGION 1.BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION Through funding support from Sweden, Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) and SAfAIDS are jointly hosting a virtual Regional Legislative Sensitisation High-Level Meeting on Safe Abortion Case Studies for Members of Parliament and a Sectoral Policy Advocacy Dialogue with Parliamentarians. The two regional events are being collaboratively convened under the Regional SRHR, HIV and Governance Project and Regional Transforming Lives Programme respectively, seeking to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) outcomes for SADC citizens. The two events build on the Regional Policy Advocacy Dialogue held with Parliamentarians on 1st April 2021 which resulted in key recommendations being passed by Members of Parliament towards a Regional Roadmap on Ending Unsafe Abortion and Early and Unintended Pregnancy (EUP). 2. PURPOSE OF THE REGIONAL POLICY ADVOCACY DIALOGUE The Regional Legislative Sensitisation High-Level Meeting and Policy Advocacy Dialogue are strategic platforms to examine the status and extent of unsafe abortion and EUP in the SADC region and focus on catalysing policy advocacy actions towards preventing unsafe abortion and EUP in the SADC Region. The two events will be hosted with the following objectives: To generate recommendations from SADC Parliamentarians to inform finalisation of a Regional Roadmap on Ending Unsafe Abortion and EUP in the SADC region; and To build consensus amongst SADC Parliamentarians on critical policy advocacy actions to be taken towards a Regional Roadmap on Ending Unsafe Abortions and EUP.
DAY 5 THURSDAY 28TH APRIL	Joint Sitting of SADC PF Standing Committees and the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC) Objective: to review and validate the SADC Model Law on Public Financial Management
09:00 – 09:30	Session 1 Director of Ceremonies-: Mrs Yapoka Nyirenda Mungandi- Director Finance and Corporate Services Official Opening Session o Introductions o Welcome Remarks by Ms Boemo M. Sekgoma, SADC PF Secretary General, SADC PF o Official Opening Address by Hon. Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Zambia o Vote of thanks by Hon Jerónima Agostinho, DGHR and Member of the Executive Committee o Meeting Objectives and Programme Overview
09:30 – 10:45	Introduction of Legal Drafter and Order of Business- Mr Joseph Manzi- Director Programmes and Parliamentary Business Consideration of the Draft SADC Model Law on Clause-by-Clause Session 2 ❖ DRAFT/EXPLANATORY NOTES ON THE MODEL LAW ON PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ❖ PREAMBLE ❖ ARRANGEMENT OF PROVISIONS ❖ PRELIMINARY ❖ AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Facilitator: Dr Daniel Greenberg, Legal Drafter
10:45 – 11:00	Group Photograph and Tea Break
11:00 – 13:00	Session 2 Continues ❖ PART 3 o AUTHORITIES ❖ PART 4 o PUBLIC FUNDS ❖ PART 5 o SUPPLY AND APPROPRIATION ❖ PART 6 o PARLIAMENTARY CONTROL ❖ PART 7 o NATIONAL BUDGET ❖ PART 8 o GOVERNMENT BORROWING ❖ PART 9 o PROCUREMENT AND USE OF PUBLIC RESOURCES ❖ PART 10 o PUBLIC ACCOUNTS ❖ PART 11 o FINANCIAL MISCONDUCT, MISUSE AND MALADMINISTRATION ❖ PART 12 o CRYPTOCURRENCIES ❖ PART 13 o STATE GOVERNMENTS ❖ PART 14 o LOCAL AUTHORITIES ❖ PART 15 o STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES ❖ PART 16 o FINAL PROVISIONS ❖ SCHEDULES o SCHEDULE 1 o STATE GOVERNMENTS ▪ PART 1: PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT APPLYING TO STATE GOVERNMENTS ▪ PART 2: MODIFICATIONS IN APLICATION TO STATE GOVERNMENTS o PART 1: PRELIMINARY o PART 2: AIMS AND OBJECTIVES o PART 3: AUTHORITIES o PART 4: PUBLIC FUNDS o PART 5: SUPPLY AND APPROPRIATION o PART 6: PARLIAMENTARY CONTROL
13:00 – 14:00	Lunch Break
14:00 – 15:30	Session 3 ❖ PART 7: NATIONAL BUDGET ❖ PART 8: GOVERNMENT BORROWING Facilitator: Dr Daniel Greenberg, Legal Drafter Tea Break Session 3 Continues ❖ PART 9: PROCUREMENT AND USE OF PUBLIC RESOURCES
17:00	Announcements & End of Day
DAY 6 FRIDAY 29TH APRIL	Joint Sitting of SADC PF Standing Committees and RWPC (Continues)
09:00 – 10:45	Session 4 ❖ PART 10: PUBLIC ACCOUNTS ❖ PART 11: FINANCIAL MISCONDUCT, MISUSE AND MALADMINISTRATION Facilitator: Dr Daniel Greenberg, Legal Drafter
10:45 – 11:00	Tea Break
11:00 – 13:00	Session 4 Continues ❖ PART 12: CRYPTOCURRENCIES ❖ PART 13: STATE GOVERNMENTS ❖ PART 14: LOCAL AUTHORITIES ❖ PART 15: STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES ❖ PART 16: FINAL PROVISIONS
13:00 – 14:00	Lunch Break
14:00 – 15:30	Session 5 ❖ SCHEDULES o SCHEDULE 1: STATE GOVERNMENTS PART 1: PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT APPLYING TO STATE GOVERNMENTS PART 2: MODIFICATIONS IN APPLICATION TO STATE GOVERNMENTS o SCHEDULE 2: LOCAL AUTHORITIES PART 1: PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT APPLYING TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES PART 2: MODIFICATIONS IN APPLICATION TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES Facilitator: Dr Daniel Greenberg, Legal Drafter
15:30 – 15:45	Tea Break
15:45 – 16:50	o SCHEDULE 2: STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES PART 1: BODIES TO WHICH THIS ACT APPLIES PART 2: PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT APPLYING TO STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES PART 3: MODIFICATIONS IN APPLICATION TO STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES
16:50 – 17:00	Closing Remarks by the Chairperson of the Regional Parliamentary Oversight Committee (RPMLOC) Hon. Leon Tumba
17:00	End of Day & End of Joint Sitting to review and validate PFM Model Law STATUTORY MEETINGS OF STANDING COMMITTEES AND THE RWPC
DAY 7 SATURDAY 30TH APRIL	Statutory Meeting of the Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Women Advancement and Youth Development (GEWAYD) • Statutory Meeting of the Standing Committee on Human and Social Development and Special Programmes (HSDSP)
09:00-10:45	Statutory Meeting of the GEWAYD Standing Committee to deliberate on issues affecting the youth in the SADC region and propose mechanisms for the parliamentarians to directly engage with the youth Statutory Meeting of the HSDSP Standing Committee
10:45-11:00	Tea Break
11:00-13:00	Statutory Meeting of the GEWAYD Standing Committee Statutory Meeting of the HSDSP Standing Committee
13:00-14:00	Lunch Break
14:00-16:30	Statutory Meeting of the GEWAYD Standing Committee Statutory Meeting of the HSDP Standing Committee
16:30-17:00	Meeting of GEWAYD to elect Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for 2022 to 2024 Meeting of HSDP to elect Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for 2022 to 2024
DAY 8 SUNDAY 1ST MAY	Departures for GEWAYD and HSDSP Members except Chairpersons Statutory Meeting of the Standing Committee on Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights (DGHR) Statutory Meeting of the Standing Committee on the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR) Statutory Meeting of the Standing Committee on Trade, Industry and Investment (TIFI)
09:00-10:45	Statutory Meeting of the DGHR Statutory Meeting of the FANR Statutory Meeting of the TIFI
11:45-11:00	Tea Break
11:00-12:30	Statutory Meeting of the DGHR Statutory Meeting of the DGHR Statutory Meeting of the FANR Statutory Meeting of the TIFI
12:30-13:30	Meeting of DGHR to elect Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for 2022 to 2024 Meeting of FANR to elect Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for 2022 to 2024 Meeting of TIFI to elect Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for 2022 to 2024
13:00-14:00	Lunch Break
14:00-17:00	Joint meeting of FANR and TIFI on Expanding Investment in Agroecology in Southern Africa for Sustainable Development and Climate Change Adaptation and recommend to the Plenary Assembly Joint meeting of DGHR & RPMLOC (Chairpersons of GEWAYD and HSDSP) on “Towards Strengthening the Role of Parliament in Curbing Corruption and Promoting Accountability in the SADC region: Engaging Parliamentarians on how to use Public Finance Management to Execute Measures to Fight Corruption’’
DAY 9 MONDAY 2ND MAY	Departures for Members of the DGHR, FANR and TIFI Committees, Chairpersons for HSDSP and GEWAYD; and Consultants for Strategic Plan Review Working Session for Committee Secretaries
DAY 10 TUESDAY 3RD MAY	Departures for Committee Secretaries

Programme-for-Standing-Cttee-Session-51st-Plenary-Assembly

DGHR MASTER WORK PLAN JANUARY 2022 TO DECEMBER 2022

136 times

(Updated on 4th March 2022)

#	PLANNED ACTIVITIES	OBJECTIVES	PARTICIPANTS	PLATFORM / VENUE	DATE & TIME

FEBRUARY 2022
1	Commissioning of a Region-wide study to assess & identify the challenges women face in electoral processes in SADC Member States	To enhance the role of Parliamentin promoting women participationin electoral processes in SADC	Consultant to consult with SADC PF female MPs, female MPs from Member Parliaments and otherstakeholders	Zoom and email	February-April
2	Development of Regional Principles and Guidelines on the Role of Parliaments in the protection and promotion of Human Rights.	To enhancing the role of parliament in the promotion and protection of human rights.	Consultant to consult with national and regional Human Rights institutions, National Parliaments, civil society and other stakeholders	Zoom and email	February- April
MARCH 2022
3	Baseline Study on the mechanisms and practices for enforcement of separationof powers and checks and balances in National Parliaments	To strengthen the role of Parliament in ensuring democratic accountability and promoting good governance	All National Parliaments tobe consulted through questionnaires and other research tools	Virtual and Electronic	March to May
APRIL 2022
STANDING COMMITTEESTANDING COMMITTEE SESSION FOR THE 51ST PLENARY ASSEMBLY SESSION
4	Statutory Meeting of the Standing Committee on Democratisation,Governance and Human Rights, jointly with RPMLOC	To Strengthen the Role of Parliament in Curbing Corruption and Promoting Accountability in the SADC Region by engaging Parliamentarians on how to use Public Finance Management to Execute Measures to Fight Corruption	DGHR Committee Member	Physical	1 May 09:00 – 17:00
MAY 2022
5	Undertake periodic tracking of SADC Protocols using balance score card – ontwo protocols	To enhance regional accountability on regional commitments	Consultant to develop a score card and under take assessment on progress on implementation of 2 protocols on natural resources governance and climate change adaptation	Zoom and email	10 May
6	National Workshop to promote the domestication of the SADC Model Law on Elections in Lesotho	To promote the domestication of the SADC Model Law on Elections in Lesotho	Chairpersons of relevant parliamentary Committees of Lesotho, Independent Electoral Commission, CSOs, Media, and Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the DGHR Committee and other stakeholders in Lesotho	Lesotho	11-12 May or 18-19 May
JUNE 2022
JULY 2021
7	Joint Meeting of the DGHR Standing Committeeand RPMLOC on strengthening accountability through enhancing separation of powers and checks and balances	To enhance the role of Parliament in promoting democratic accountability for democratic consolidation	Members of the RPMLOC and DGHR Committees, CSOs, Media	Zoom	28 July 09:30-13:0014:30-17:00
AUGUST 2021
SEPTEMBER 2021
8	Regional policy conference on women in politics to disseminate and analyse Study findings on the challenges women face in electoral processes in selected SADC Member States	To popularise the recommendations from the study and gain deeper understanding of the challenges and identify possible avenues to address the same.	Members of the Members of the GEWAYD, RWPC and DGHR Committee	Physical	4-5 September
9	Training of senior parliament staff on integrating crisis and disaster management and scenario planning in parliamentary work	To build the capacity of senior parliamentary staff of national parliaments and regional and international inter-parliamentary organisations	Senior parliamentary staff of national parliaments and regional and international interparliamentary organisations	Physical	30 September
OCTOBER 2021
STANDING COMMITTEE SESSIONSTANDING COMMITTEE SESSIONFOR THE 52ND PLANARYASSEMBLY SESSION – 10TH TO 16THOCTOBER 2021
10	Statutory Meeting of DGHR Committee with other SADCPF Committees and relevant national Parliament Committees on the role of Parliament in Protecting human rights during crises and disasters	To enhance the role of the DGHR committee & RPMLOC in monitoring the protection of human rights during crises and disasters	DGHR, SADC PFCommittees and Chairpersons of national parliamentary Committees	Physical	16 October
NOVEMBER 2021
11	Regional round table discussion on enhancing the oversight and monitoring capacity of parliaments for transparency and democratic accountability in Southern Africa	To build the capacity of MPs in understanding the concept of check and balances and the involvement of CSOs and staff of parliament in promoting good governance.	MPs, CSOs and staff of Parliament	Zoom	2 November 09:30-12:3014:00-16:00
DECEMBER 2022
12	Validation of the regional toolkit on best practices on parliamentary responses in protecting human rights during crises and disasters	To develop a knowledge management tool to assist MPs in protecting human rights during crises and disasters	RPMLOC, DGH Rand other SADCPF Committees	Zoom	5 December 2022

Minutes-DGHR-Committee-50th-Plenary-Role-of-Parly-in-Conflcit-Prevention-Management

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEMOCRATISATION, GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS (DGHR) HELD VIRTUAL ON 13TH OCTOBER 2021 UNDER THE THEME “THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENT IN PROTECTING CONSTITUTIONALISM AND THE RULE OF LAW IN SOUTHERN AFRICA: PROS

265 times

PRESENT
1. Hon. Jerónima Agostinho, Chairperson Mozambique
2. Hon. Darren Bergman, Vice Chairperson South Africa
3. Hon. Leepetswe Lesedi Botswana
4. Hon. Mduduzi Matebula Eswatini
5. Hon. Nts’alla Mafa Lesotho
6. Hon. Tsiliva Diddiot Christophe Madagascar
7. Hon. Deus Gumba Malawi
8. Hon. Utaara Mootu Namibia
9. Hon. Richard Labrosse Seychelles
10. Hon. Selemani Jumanne Zedi Tanzania
11. Hon. Dought Ndiweni Zimbabwe
ABSENT WITH APOLOGY
Hon. Josefina P. Diakité Angola
Hon. Balamage N'kolo Boniface DRC
Hon. Ashley Ittoo Mauritius
Designation of MPs was still pending after 2021 elections Zambia
IN ATTENDANCE
Boemo Sekgoma, Secretary General SADC PF Secretariat
Sheuneni Kurasha, Committee Secretary SADC PF Secretariat
Clare Musonda SADC PF Secretariat
Paulina Kanguatjivi SADC PF Secretariat
Samueline Kauvee SADC PF Secretariat
OBSERVERS

Mr. Jorge C. Cardoso, Director, SADC Organ on Politics Defence and Security Affairs.

Justice Oagile Key Dingake, former Judge of the High Court and Industrial Court in Botswana, Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone,and the Supreme and National Courts of Papua New Guinea.

His Excellency Ambassador Said Djinnit, Special Advisor, African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD).

Dr. Adane Ghebremeskel, Executive Manager - GIZ Peace, Security and Governance Project.

The Meeting was called to order 09:34.
AGENDA
1. Credentials of delegates and apologies.
2. Adoption of Agenda.
3. Welcome remarks by the Chairperson.
4. Consideration of the Minutes of the Meeting of Standing Committee on Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights (DGHR) held virtually on 13th April 2021 under the theme “The Role of Parliament in Protecting Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law in Southern Africa: Prospects and Challenges,” and Matters Arising from the Minutes.
5. Session I: Reflections on the Role of Parliaments in Promoting and Protecting Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law in the SADC region and in view of the Deliberations and Recommendations by the 49th Plenary Assembly.
6. Session II: Presentation and Deliberations on the theme: “Peace, Security and Conflict Trends in the SADC Region: Strengthening Parliament’s Role in Conflict Prevention and Management.’’
7. Deliberations on the theme and recommendations to the Plenary Assembly.
8. Closing remarks and Vote of Thanks.
CREDENTIALS OF DELEGATES AND APOLOGIES
Quorum for the meeting was confirmed with 11 out of 15 Members present. Apologies were received from Angola, DRC, Mauritius and Zambia.
ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
The agenda was adopted on a motion by South Africa and seconded by Eswatini.
WELCOME REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON
The Chairperson, Hon. Jerónima Agostinho, started by welcoming new Members of the Committee, namely Hon. Mduduzi Matebula of Eswatini, Hon. Utaara Mootu of Namibia and Hon. Selemani Jumanne Zedi of Tanzania. She indicated that the meeting accorded the Committee the opportunity to deliberate on issues of regional interest and concern pursuant to its mandate as stipulated in Rule 42(d) of the SADC PF Rules of Procedure and submit its report to the Plenary Assembly.
Regarding the theme, which was “Peace, Security and Conflict Trends in the
SADC Region: Strengthening Parliament’s Role in Conflict Prevention and Management,’’ Hon. Agostinho indicated that this theme was relevant and timely. The Chairperson underlined that peace and security were the condictio sine qua non for socio-economic development of the SADC region since Member States would be unable to realise the objectives of regional socio-economic development, poverty eradication, and regional integration in the absence of a peaceful, secure and politically stable environment. The Chairperson commended SADC for the strides it had made towards conflict prevention and management, as well as human and state security within the territories of Member States, which had made Southern Africa one of the most peaceful and politically stable regions of the African continent. In this regard, the Chairperson enumerated the various regional frameworks and institutions created by SADC to entrench cooperation and mutual trust in peace and security. She specifically cited the harmonised Strategic Indicative Plan for the Organ on Defence, Politics and Security (SIPO), which was the region’s main implementation framework for the SADC Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and the SADC Mutual Defence Pact, among other instruments on peace and security.
The Chairperson said the SADC region still faced several challenges related to peace and security and tackling them required collective and resolute efforts by all stakeholders. She cited such challenges as isolated armed conflicts, acute inequality, democracy and governance deficit, rising unemployment among young people and election violence, and added that the COVID-19 pandemic had accentuated the situation, thereby triggering tensions, some of which had led to social unrest, looting and violence.
Hon. Agostinho underscored the critical role that legitimate and functioning Parliaments could play as long-term conflict prevention and management mechanisms. She added that the legislature served as the national forum where diverse issues affecting society were debated and through constant contact with the citizens they represented, Parliaments were able to detect early signs of conflict and facilitate appropriate timely responses.
The Chairperson challenged national Parliaments to ensure that legal frameworks of their respective countries were strengthened to facilitate the establishment of independent public institutions that promoted democracy and good governance in line with SDG 16. She also urged SADC PF to prioritise capacity building for MPs in conflict prevention and management in line with objective 3 of the SADC PF Strategic Plan (2019 – 2023).
Turning to the issue of the Role of Parliaments in Promoting and Protecting Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law in the SADC, Hon. Agostinho underlined that the Committee needed to reflect on the matter in view of the deliberations and resolutions by the 49th Plenary Assembly on the same matter while considering the Committee’s report. The Chairperson further clarified that the issue of particular concern was whether the development of a SADC Mode Law on the Role of Parliament in in Promoting and Protecting Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law would infringe on the sovereignty of Member States.
In conclusion, the Chairperson expressed gratitude to the resource persons, namely Mr Jorge Cardoso, Director of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs whose attendance was coming at the back of the decision by the 41st SADC Summit on 17 August 2021, approving the transformation of SADC PF into a SADC Parliament; Justice Professor Oagile Key Dingake, former Judge of the High Court in Botswana, Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone, and the Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea; His Excellency Ambassador Said Djinnit, Special Advisor African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD); and Dr. Adane Ghebremeskel, Executive Manager - GIZ Peace, Security and Governance Project. She also thanked GIZ and Austrian Development Agency for the financial support towards the hosting of the meeting.
SESSION I: REFLECTIONS ON THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENTS IN PROMOTING AND PROTECTING CONSTITUTIONALISM AND THE RULE OF LAW IN THE SADC REGION IN VIEW OF THE DELIBERATIONS AND RESOLUTIONS BY THE 49TH PLENARY ASSEMBLY
Presentation
The Committee received a presentation from Justice Dingake based on a policy paper prepared following the deliberations and resolutions by the 49th Plenary Assembly regarding the role of Parliaments in promoting and protecting constitutionalism and the rule of law in the SADC region. The presentation, inter alia, interrogated whether the proposal to develop a Model Law within the broader context of promoting and protecting constitutionalism and the rule of law in the region could infringe on the sovereignty of Member States given the diverse legal and government systems in different countries. The presentation also laid bare the various ways in which national parliaments could play a role in protecting the rule of law and defending the constitution.
Justice Dingake emphasised that the rule of law was fundamental for any functioning democracy since its tenets implied that governments were accountable by law and that everyone was equal before the law. It incorporated elements such as a strong constitution with limits on power, human rights, an effective electoral system, a commitment to gender equality, laws to protect minorities and vulnerable groups, and a strong civil society. He explained that an independent judiciary was the hallmark of the rule of law, given its role in protecting human rights, safeguarding the dignity of all citizens, and protecting institutions of accountability from potential obstruction and manipulation.
Justice Dingake highlighted that the SADC Treaty was unequivocally clear about its commitment to the rule of law and democracy. Similarly, the African Union (AU) had adopted instruments such as the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), which placed obligations on state parties to, among others, promote adherence to the principle of the rule of law premised on respect for and the supremacy of the constitution and constitutional order. He argued that it was, therefore, incumbent upon regional organisations that derived legitimacy from the SADC Treaty and AU statutes, such as the SADC PF, to take the lead in upholding and strengthening the rule of law within the confines of their mandates. This could be achieved through developing regional normative frameworks and other initiatives that promoted democracy, good governance and affirmed respect for human rights. He also highlighted that SADC PF had in fact, inspired by the same trajectory, pioneered the development of normativestandards, including Model Laws in critical thematic areas of regional interest and concern such as HIV/AIDS, elections, and child marriage.
Justice Dingake explained that the Model Laws as part of soft law, were not binding on Member States and only carried persuasive power and as such it was inconceivable that their development could infringe or undermine the sovereignty of Member States. SADC PF’s record in developing Model Laws even in critical and potentially sensitive political processes such as elections attested to the non-interference nature of its Model Laws.
Judge Dingake also highlighted the central role played by Parliaments in upholding the rule of law through reviewing, debating and enacting legislation; and scrutinising government actions and holding the government accountable. He affirmed that legislative work and scrutiny of the executive would be enhanced if approached from the rule of law perspective and in an environment where Parliamentarians were knowledgeable about the rule of law and constitutionalism.
Deliberations and Recommendations
In the ensuing deliberations, the Committee resolved to recommend to the Plenary Assembly to:

Reiterate that the development of the Model Law on the Role of Parliament in Promoting and Protecting Constitutionalism would not interfere with or undermine the sovereignty or internal processes of Member States since Model Laws were not binding on Member States and countries had the liberty to choose the elements of the Model Law that would be acceptable in their respective contexts.

Request the Plenary Assembly to rescind its resolution during the 49^th Plenary Assembly and allow the Standing Committee on Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights, in consultation with stakeholders, to commence the process of developing a SADC Law Model Law on the Role of Parliament in Promoting and Protecting Constitutionalism to assist Member States to comply with their regional legal commitments and obligations regarding constitutionalism and the rule of law.

Reiterate that Model Laws were useful to modern states in various ways including setting of best practice and benchmarking since most of the standards contained therein had a universal bearing and provided a cheaper and optimum way of gaining technical capacity.

Reaffirm the central role that National Parliaments play in upholding the rule of law and protecting constitutionalism through reviewing, debating and enacting legislation; and scrutinising government actions and holding the government accountable.

SESSION II: PRESENTATION AND DELIBERATIONS ON THETHEME: “PEACE, SECURITY AND CONFLICT TRENDS IN THESADC REGION: STRENGTHENING PARLIAMENT’S ROLE INCONFLICT PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT.’’
Presentation by the Director of the SADC Organ, Mr Jorge
Cardoso
In his presentation, Mr Cardoso stated that the SADC region continued to enjoy sustained peace, security and a stable political environment despite low level political intra-state tensions and the emergence of acts of terrorism in a few Member States. He indicated that SADC had deployed its Standby Force – the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) – to quell the terrorism threat in Cabo Delgado. Similarly, SADC had deployed the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB), in support of the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission (MONUSCO), to counter the negative forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Director also informed the meeting that, as part of its long-term strategy towards durable peace, SADC was also strengthening Member States’ mediation-support capacities for peaceful resolution of intra-state conflicts, providing capacity building for conflict prevention and preventative diplomacy mechanisms, and bolstering the national Infrastructures for Peace. This he said would guarantee SADC’s preparedness for pro–active responses to conflict situations, thereby enabling the fulfilment of the regional integration agenda espoused in the SADC 2050 vision and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030.
The Director highlighted the importance of establishing Infrastructure for Peace (I4P) in communities by ensuring the establishment of effective institutions, processes, policies, and constructive relationships that contribute to peace building. In this regard he commended Member States for having established different Peace Infrastructures, including local peace committees; national peace platforms; government departments or ministries that support and develop strategies for peacebuilding; conflict analysis and early warning and response systems; development of conflict management skills including through insider mediators; as well as policies and initiatives promoting a shared culture of peace
Mr Cardoso observed that Parliaments served not only as platforms fordialogue, unity and reconciliation but also played a vital role in conflictprevention and resolution. He emphasised that SADC PF was one of the keystrategic institutions forming SADC’s regional I4P.
The Director indicated that SADC had since 2020, embarked on a mappingexercise for regional and national I4Ps to assess the human, technical andfinancial capacities and challenges of regional and national I4Ps inpeacebuilding, conflict prevention and resolution. Eight (8) Member Stateshad since been covered, namely DRC, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique,Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Mr Cardoso informed themeeting that the regional mapping exercise had revealed that SADC PF wasan important I4P – not only was it a representative institution for the SADCcitizenry but it also served as a valid interlocutor for the political andsecurity needs and aspirations of citizens. SADC PF also brought nationalParliaments together across political party lines and national boundaries inpursuit of strengthening SADC’s capacity to address peace and security issues. SADC PF had also been most visible through its involvement inelection observation missions and active promotion of electoral standardssuch as contained in the SADC Model Law on Elections, to mitigate the risks of electoral related conflicts.
The Director urged SADC PF to consider building upon its current portfolioon the role of Parliament in conflict prevention and management bydeepening perspectives on the following critical issues:
(i) Empowering national Parliaments as actors in conflict prevention,mediation and post-conflict recovery;
(ii) Promoting the involvement of national Parliaments in conflictprevention and the silencing of guns;
(iii) Enhancing the legislative and oversight capacity of nationalParliaments to prevent and manage conflicts and/or electoral violence;
(iv) Strengthening collaboration with civil society organisations to respondto the challenges of gender-based violence (GBV) in the region;
(v) Sharing knowledge and lessons learned; and
(vi) Facilitating the participation of Members of Parliament in mediationand conflict analysis skills trainings offered by the SADC Secretariat and other organisations, in order to strengthen support to mediationprocesses in the region.
SADC PF was also urged to consider promoting awareness among citizens and their representatives regarding regional protocols related to the prevention, combatting and eradication of the illicit manufacturing offirearms, ammunition and other related materials which are linked to drugtrafficking, terrorism, transnational organised crime, mercenary and otherviolent criminal activities. The Director proposed the development of ModelLaws in these areas as it would help to combat contemporary threats ofproliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the SADC regionand promote best practices and standards for prevention and combatingillicit proliferation, circulation and trafficking of firearms, ammunitions andrelated materials.
Regarding the transformation of the SADC PF into a SADC Parliament and its roadmap which were approved by the SADC Summit on 17 August 2021 in Malawi, the Director explained that a Protocol stipulating the composition, powers, functions and procedures of the Parliament would be drafted and the SADC Treaty would be amended to enable the Regional Parliament to become a SADC institution. Mr Cardoso celebrated the historic decision and added that it provided a solid foundation for collaboration between SADC PF and other SADC institutions towards strengthening the region’s capacity to sustain peace and prevent or manage conflicts and ensure political and security stability, and consolidation of democracy. He also explained that the establishment of the SADC Parliament would amplify the voice of ordinary citizens into the regional integration process. The Director further implored the region to prioritise building a critical mass of cross-sectoral mediators, conflict analysts and facilitators at national and regional levels so as to strengthen SADC’s peace and security architecture in the long term.
Presentation by Ambassador Said Djinnit, Senior PoliticalPresentation by Ambassador Said Djinnit, Senior PoliticalAdvisor, ACCORD and Former African Union Commissioner forPeace and Security
Ambassador Djinnit congratulated SADC PF and national Parliaments forAmbassador Djinnit congratulated SADC PF and national Parliaments forthe milestone of having reached the Golden Jubilee Plenary AssemblySession. He explained the nexus between democratisation, governance andhuman rights on one hand conflict prevention and management on theother, and added that bad governance, disregard for human rights, failure toconsolidate democracy, and unconstitutional changes of governments,among others, constituted some of the triggers of the many violent conflictsand societal tensions that SADC and the African continent had witnessed.
The Ambassador observed that since the early 1990s, Southern African States had undergone substantial political transformations which had seen some of the countries shift from one-party states to multi-party democracies. He added that this had created fertile ground for the establishment of a rules-based governance system characterised by constitutional democracy and underpinned by regular free and fair elections, enjoyment of freedoms and rights and peaceful transfer of power. He however, pointed out that the changes had not been consistently smooth throughout the region as many countries were still struggling to entrench and institutionalise democracy and a culture of democratic practice was taking longer to evolve in some parts of the region.
Ambassador Djinnit also highlighted that some of the measures put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 had subverted the work of democratization in the SADC region. For instance, the general lack of economic transformation in many societies in the region, and the economic destruction brought by COVID-19, had increased the already constrained economic opportunities. Consequently, political office, which came with financial rewards, had become a highly contested terrain, sometimes with violence which often contributed to national instability with a potential for regional spill-over effects.
The Ambassador also articulated how inequalities and poor governance, particularly of natural resources, had eroded social cohesion and triggered tensions and conflicts in communities where the exploitation of these natural resources had not transformed into economic development and job creation for the local people.
Ambassador Djinnit reiterated that regional parliamentary bodies such as the SADC PF ought to also consider and devise strategies to enhance the role of Parliamentarians in conflict resolution against the history of domination by the Executive and civil society, to the exclusion of Parliamentarians. He thus urged SADC PF to enhance its conflict prevention and peace building efforts across the region by, for instance, deploying information sharing and good will missions to the countries affected by conflicts or even tensions.
Presentation by Dr. Adane Ghebremeskel, Executive Manager -Presentation by Dr. Adane Ghebremeskel, Executive Manager -GIZ Peace, Security and Governance Project.
In his presentation Dr Ghebremeskel explained that there was convergence between the conventional roles of Parliament of representation, law making and oversight and their responsibility in conflict prevention. He explained that the representational role provided a platform where diverse interests and views of society could be articulated, leading to compromises. The compromises were formulated into laws and policies that were used by different societal actors as references to guide their behaviour. Subsequently, societal actors, especially the ones that acted on behalf of the state, had to be brought to account on what, why and how they acted on all public issues. He further explained that Parliament’s institutional arrangements and operational modalities had the rendered the institution optimally positioned to play a key role in conflict prevention and management through early warning and early responses.

Deliberations and Recommendations
During the subsequent deliberations, the Committee resolved to recommend to the Plenary Assembly to:

Commend SADC for deploying its Standby Force – the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) – to quell the terrorism threats in Cabo Delgado and for deploying the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB), in support of the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission (MONUSCO), to counter the negative forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Commend SADC for implementing various initiatives aimed at ensuring that the region continued to enjoy sustained peace and security and that Member States were politically stable.

Urge SADC to ensure the implementation of a long-term strategy towards durable peace, including strengthening Member States’mediation-support capabilities, conflict prevention and preventative mediation-support capabilities, conflict prevention and preventative diplomacy mechanisms, and bolstering the national I4P.

Encourage SADC to strengthen its preparedness for pro–activeresponses to conflict situations to enable the region to fulfil the regional integration agenda espoused in the SADC 2050 vision and the RISDP 2020-2030.

Reiterate the importance of establishing I4P in local communities of Member States by ensuring the establishment of effective institutions, processes, policies, and constructive relationships that could contribute to peace building.

Commend Member States for having established different Peace Infrastructures, including local peace committees; national peace platforms; government departments or ministries that supported and developed strategies for peace building; conflict analysis and early warning and response systems; development of conflict management skills, including through insider mediators; as well as policies and initiatives that promoted a shared culture of peace.

Reaffirm the importance of Parliaments as I4P since they served not only as platforms for dialogue, unity and reconciliation but also as vital instruments for conflict prevention and resolution.

Reiterate the centrality of SADC PF as a vital component of SADC’s regional I4P since it is a representative institution for the SADC citizenry and therefore, a valid interlocutor for the political and security needs and aspiration of the public and a symbol of political diversity.

Commend SADC PF for being visible in its involvement in election observation missions and the active promotion of electoral standards such as those contained in the SADC Model Law on Elections, to mitigate the risks of electoral related conflicts.

Encourage the SADC Secretariat to engage SADC PF and national Parliaments during the mapping exercise for regional and national I4P to establish a baseline regarding their human, technical and financial capacities and gaps in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and resolution.

Urge SADC PF to consider building upon its current portfolio on the role of Parliament in conflict prevention and management by deepening perspectives on the following critical issues:

(a) Empowerment of national Parliaments as actors in conflict prevention, mediation, and post-conflict recovery.
(b) Promotion of the involvement of national Parliaments in conflict prevention and the silencing of guns.
(c) Enhancement the legislative and oversight capacity of national Parliaments to prevent and manage conflicts and/or electoral violence.
(d) Strengthening collaboration with civil society organisations to respond to the challenges of GBV in the region.
(e) Sharing knowledge and lessons learnt for peer learning and benchmarking.
(f)Facilitation of the participation of Parliaments in mediation and Facilitation of the participation of Parliaments in mediation and conflict analysis skills through trainings offered by the SADC Secretariat and other organisations, in order to strengthen support to mediation processes in the region.
xii. Encourage SADC PF to sensitise citizens and their representatives regarding regional protocols related to the prevention, combatting and eradication of the illicit manufacturing of firearms, ammunition and other related materials which are linked to drug trafficking, terrorism, transnational organised crime, mercenary and other violent criminal activities.
xiii. Resolve to develop a regional Model Law on the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) to assist Member States in combating the proliferation of small arms and ammunition in SADC and promote best practices and standards to control the circulation and trafficking of firearms, ammunitions and related materials.
xiv. Welcome the approval of the transformation of the SADC PF into a SADC Parliament by the SADC Summit on 17 August 2021 in Malawi and add that this would pave way for enhanced collaboration between SADC PF and other SADC institutions in strengthening the region’s capacity to sustain peace and prevent or manage conflicts and consolidate democracy.
xv. Reiterate that the establishment of the SADC Parliament would also serve to amplify the voice of ordinary citizens in the regional integration process.
xvi. Urge SADC to prioritise building a critical mass of cross-sectoral mediators, conflict analysts and facilitators at national and regional levels to strengthen the region’s peace and security architecture in the long term.
xvii. Reiterate the need for SADC PF and other regional parliamentary bodies to devise strategies to enhance the role of Parliamentarians in conflict resolution against the history of a dominant role by the Executive and civil society, to the exclusion of Parliamentarians, through deploying information sharing and good will missions to the countries affected by conflicts or tensions.
CLOSING REMARKS
In his closing remarks, the Vice Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Bergman thanked the Members of the Committee for their active participation. He indicated that the gaps between regional instruments and practices in Member States demonstrated the value of Model Laws as
instruments that could assist countries to embrace best practices, harmonise their legal frameworks, peer-learn, benchmark, and aspire for the golden standards therein. The Vice Chairperson also thanked the resource persons for insightful presentations which had empowered Members to utilise their powers towards preventing and managing conflicts. He expressed the Committee’s readiness to engage the SADC Secretariat to enhance the work of SADC PF and national Parliaments in conflict prevention and management.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned sine die at 13h20.
__________________________ ____________________
Hon. Jerónima Agostinho Sheuneni Kurasha
CHAIRPERSON COMMITTEE SECRETARY
MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEMOCRATISATION, GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS (DGHR) HELD VIRTUAL ON 13TH OCTOBER 2021 UNDER THE THEME “THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENT IN PROTECTING CONSTITUTIONALISM AND THE RULE OF LAW IN SOUTHERN AFRICA: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES’’

OFFICIAL OPENING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SADC PF STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEMOCRATISATION GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS, HON. JERÓNIMA AGOSTINHO

118 times

ON THE OCCASION OF THE COMMITTEE SESSION FOR THE SADC PF STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEMOCRATISATION, GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS (DGHR) DURING THE 51ST PLENARY ASSEMBLY HELD ON SUNDAY 1ST MAY 2022 FROM 09:00 TO 17:00

ALUTATIONS

Honorable Members of the SADC PF Standing Committee on Democratization Governance and Human Rights;

The Secretary General of the SADC PF, Ms Boemo Sekgoma;

Committee Secretary, Mr Sheuneni Kurasha and other Staff from the SADC PF Secretariat and National Parliaments;

Our distinguished Resource Persons:

ISHARA BODASING, Managing Director IBodasing Governance Consultants, Advocate of the High Court and Member of the Companies Tribunal in South Africa;

Titus Gwemende, Team Leader at the Africa Regional Office of Open Society Foundations;

Mr Ipyana Musopole, Officer-Anti-Corruption and Good Governance, SADC Secretariat, Gaborone, Botswana

Representatives of Partner Organisations.

Representatives of media organisations

Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is my singular honour and privilege to welcome you to this statutory meeting of the SADC PF Standing Committee on Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights (DGHR) which is being held during the 51st Plenary Assembly Session under the theme: “Towards Strengthening the Role of Parliament in Curbing Corruption and Promoting Accountability in the SADC Region: Engaging Parliamentarians on how to use Public Finance Management to Execute Measures to Fight Corruption.’’

We are meeting at a time when the world is battling two major crises, namely the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, that have had devastating effects on the global economy, including an astronomical rise in fuel prices and a similar trend being projected for food prices. This is in addition to the various pre-existing challenges such as a shrinking global economy, political crises, rising unemployment and ailing healthcare systems. SADC Member States, being part of the global village, have not been spared by these challenges and must therefore, face them head-on.

Hon. Members and Distinguished Participants

Our theme, “Towards Strengthening the Role of Parliament in Curbing Corruption and Promoting Accountability in the SADC Region: Engaging Parliamentarians on how to use Public Finance Management to Execute Measures to Fight Corruption” gives us a timely as Parliamentarians to interrogate some of these matters, with a view to finding solutions for the benefit of citizens. This is particularly important since SADC PF has developed the SADC Model Law on Public Financial Management (PFM) as a comprehensive tool to entrench transparency and accountability in the management of public finances in SADC Member States.

Hon. Members and Distinguished Participants

A sound, transparent and effective public financial management system is a fulcrum of democratic accountability and good governance in any country since it guarantees effectiveness in the way in which public resources are collected, allocated, spent and accounted. It is incontestable that the large amounts of money involved in the management of public finances on one hand, and the discretion that is often given to public officials on the other hand, will often render PFM vulnerable to corruption.

Corruption is a threat to democracy as it does not only erode public trust in public institutions but is also hampers economic development and aggravates inequality, poverty, social division and the environmental crisis.

I therefore, welcome the development the PFM Model Law as it will help countries of the region to benchmark and set best practices as they seek to plug any legislative, policy and implementation gaps, based on their national contexts. Indeed, SADC PF must be commended for this trailblazing initiative which adds to the growing body of regional and international instruments that offer an array of strategies to mitigate the effects of corruption and propel the region towards socio-economic transformation as espoused in SADC Vision 2050, African Union (AU) Agenda 263 and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Other important instruments in this regard include the SADC Protocol Against Corruption adopted in August 2001 and entered into force in 2003, the AU Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption adopted in 2003 and entered into force in 2006 and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.

Hon. Members and Distinguished Participants

Curbing corruption and strengthening democratic accountability through PFM systems require Parliaments of SADC Member States to be proactive in ensuring the establishment of robust public financial management systems and effective monitoring of the same for compliance, through oversight. The legislature must live up to citizens’ expectation by serving as a genuine public forum for scrutiny and checks and balances, thereby helping to break the patterns of social traps and the vicious cycle of corruption in society.

Parliaments are duty-bound to ensure that adequate progressive laws and policies are put in place to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of public finances. The laws so passed by Parliament ought to include mechanisms and safeguards for effective budget execution, efficient management of collected revenues as well as fair, competitive and transparent public procurement processes. I therefore, wish to reiterate the call that was made by the former Minister of Finance of South Africa, Mr Tito Mboweni, that national Parliaments should strengthen their respective anti-corruption legal frameworks, in particular in critical areas of prevention, criminalisation, international cooperation, extradition, and assets recovery.

Having good laws against corruption is not enough. Laws are not a panacea for corruption. In addition to the laws, Parliaments should also ensure that there is adequate enforcement. Law enforcement agencies should ensure that the corrupt are indiscriminately punished and the cycles of impunity are broken. There also need for proper functioning institutions, including an independent judiciary, a robust media and a vibrant civil society.

Parliaments themselves should strengthen their relevant parliamentary committees and to enhance their internal technical capacities to review the budget and financial reports from government ministries and agencies. Parliaments should utilise resources such as the SADC PF Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures in Southern Africa (2010), which provides minimum standards on the constitutional and legal framework, political, institutional, financial, material and human resources requirements for truly democratic Parliaments.

Hon. Members and Distinguished Participants

I am glad that over the last two years this Committee has greatly contributed to the objectives of SADC PF as espoused in its Strategic Plan (2019-2023), Constitution and Rules of Procedure regarding strengthening democratic accountability, including curbing corruption, the limitations place by the COVID-19 pandemic notwithstanding. For instance, the Programme is currently developing various knowledge tools for use by Parliamentarians in tackling the various challenges they face in undertaking their work. These include the following:

Principles and Guidelines for Parliaments in Curbing Corruption in the SADC Region.

Guidelines for Parliaments in Promoting and Protecting Human Rights.

Handbook on the Role of Parliament in Promoting and Protecting Human Rights during pandemics and crises.

Baseline Study on the Mechanisms and Practices for Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances in SADC national Parliaments.

Various activities have also been implemented to strengthen the capacity of Parliamentarians on critical democracy and governance themes including the following: the role of Parliament in conflict prevention and management; the role of parliament in promoting protecting human rights; the role of parliament in promoting constitutionalism and the rule of law; and the role of Parliament in promoting democratic elections. We have also continued to promote peer learning and experience-sharing among Members.

The meeting today will continue on the same trajectory, with capacitating Members on how they can utilise parliamentary control in PFM to foster democratic accountability, openness and curb corruption. Members will also be exposed to the linkages between the SADC PFM Model Law and the SADC Protocol Against Corruption as well as other regional and international instruments on combating corruption with a view to identify and pursue opportunities for domestication at national level.

We shall conclude by adopting specific recommendations to the Plenary Assembly on priority areas for action by Parliaments at national and regional level to strengthen the role of Parliament in curbing corruption and promoting accountability through PFM in the SADC region.

I am also aware that we are meeting at a time when we have made several recommendations that were adopted by the Plenary Assembly, with the aim of promoting democracy and governance in the SADC region in line with our mandate. The include, but not limited to promoting the domestication of the SADC Model Law on Elections in Member States; the development of the SADC Model Law on the Role of Parliament in Promoting and Protecting Constitutionalism and Rule of Law; and the development of the SADC Model Law on Small Arms and Light Weapons.

We will, therefore, get an opportunity to be updated by the Secretariat, which has been working tirelessly, under the guidance of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, to ensure the effective implementation of these decision.

This meeting being at the end of the tenure for the current office bearers, we shall conclude our business with electing the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson who shall lead this Committee for the next two years.

We are grateful to the Swedish Government for agreeing to the addition of a component on strengthening democratic accountability to the existing Project on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Governance. This is the Project under which our meeting today is being funded. We look forward to continued collaboration with Sweden towards democratic consolidation in the SADC region.

I also wish to thank our esteemed resource persons who have accepted to grace our meeting and to share their subject expertise which will enable the Committee to make informed deliberations and recommend to the Plenary Assembly accordingly. These are:

Mr Jay Kruuse, Director, Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM), School of Journalism and Media Studies at Rhodes University in South Africa and Member of the Technical Working Group on the PFM Model Law;

Adv. Ishara Bodasing, Managing Director IBodasing Governance Consultants, South Africa;

Mr. Ipyana Musopole, Anti-Corruption Enforcement Officer, SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs, SADC Secretariat; and

Mr Titus Gwemende, Team Leader, Africa Regional Office – Open Society Foundation Africa.

We are also grateful to Members of the Regional Parliamentary Model Laws Oversights Committee who will be joining us for the meeting and to the Members of the DGHR Technical Working Group who will join us virtually.

Allow me to end by wishing the meeting very fruitful deliberations.

It is now my singular honour and privilege to declare the statutory meeting of the DGHR Committee during the 51st Plenary Assembly officially opened.

I thank you.

OFFICIAL OPENING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SADC PF STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEMOCRATISATION GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS, HON. JERÓNIMA AGOSTINHO

More...

Agenda - Statutory meeting of the SADC PF Standing Committee on Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights (DGHR) Held on Sunday 1st May 2022, Johannesburg, South Africa, ahead of the 51st Plenary Assembly.

ELECTIONS-CALENDAR-FOR-SADC-2022-TO-2026

RESOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX FOR THE DGHR COMMITTEE

Concept-Note-Engaging-MPs-on-how-to-use-PFM-to-Execute-Measures-to-Fight-Corruption

1
2
3
4
5
6
»
End

The Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) was established in 1997 in accordance with Article 9 (2) of the SADC Treaty as an autonomous institution of SADC It is a regional inter-parliamentary body composed of Thirteen (14) parliaments representing over 3500 parliamentarians in the SADC region. Read More

Order Papers
Motions
Verbatim Records

Gender Equality, Women Advancement and Youth Development
Trade, Industry, Finance and Infrastructure
Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources
Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights
Human and Social Development and Special Programmes

Address: ERF 578, Love Street off Robert Mugabe Avenue Windhoek, Namibia
Tel: (+264 61) 287 00 00
Email:

Home
About us
SADC PF Organs
Brief History of SADC PF
Plenary Assembly
Committees
Executive Committee
Parliamentary Business Sub-Committee
Human Resource and Capacity Development Sub Committee
Legal Sub - Committee
Finance Sub-Committee
Committee of Clerks / Secretaries General
Standing Committees
Regional Parliamentary Model Laws Oversight Committee
Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights
Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources and Infrastructure
Human and Social Development and Special Programmes
Gender Equality, Women Advancement, & Youth Development
Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment
Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC)
Sessions
Sessions
52nd Plenary Assembly
Plenary Assembly Journals
Order Papers
Reports
Motions
Votes and Proceedings
Verbatim Record
Speeches
President and Vice President
The Plenary Newsletter
Programmes
Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights
Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources and Infrastructure
Gender Equality, Women Advancement, & Youth Development
Human and Social Development and Special Programmes
Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment
Regional Women's Parliamentary Caucus(RWPC)
Secretariat
Secretary General
Careers
Procurement
Media
Press Release
Events
MASTER WORK PLAN
Image Gallery
SADC PF TV
Documents
Statutory Documents
Constitution
Rules of Procedure
SADC PF Transformation into a SADC Parliament
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
Visibility Pack
SRHR Manual
SRHR Guidelines
Publications
Newsletters
Annual Reports
Finance and Account Manuals
SADC Finance Bulletin
Minimum Standards
Policy Documents
Strategic Plans
Model Laws
Proposals
Gender Responsive Oversight Model

Remarks by the Chairperson of the SADC PF Standing Committee on Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights, Hon. Dought Ndiweni

Welcome Remarks by Her Excellency Boemo Sekgoma, Secretary General, SADC Parliamentary Forum during The Regional Policy Dialogue

CONCEPT NOTE AND PROGRAMME Regional Policy Dialogue on “Strengthening Separation of Powers & Parliamentary Oversight in the SADC Region: A Leap towards Democratic Accountability and Inclusive Governance”

STATUTORY MEETING OF THE SADC PF STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

MINUTES OF THE VIRTUAL MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES (FANR) STANDING COMMITTEE HELD ON TUESDAY, 12THOCTOBER, 2021

CONCEPT NOTE FOR THE MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES SUNDAY, 1ST MAY, 2022 9.00 AM TO 17.00PM CAT

SADC PF STANDING COMMITTEES SESSION (HYBRID MEETING) 51ST SADC PF PLENARY ASSEMBLY SESSION DATES: 22ND APRIL TO 3RD MAY 2022 VENUE: RADISSON HOTEL, SOUTH AFRICA

DGHR MASTER WORK PLAN JANUARY 2022 TO DECEMBER 2022

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEMOCRATISATION, GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS (DGHR) HELD VIRTUAL ON 13TH OCTOBER 2021 UNDER THE THEME “THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENT IN PROTECTING CONSTITUTIONALISM AND THE RULE OF LAW IN SOUTHERN AFRICA: PROS

OFFICIAL OPENING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SADC PF STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEMOCRATISATION GOVERNANCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS, HON. JERÓNIMA AGOSTINHO

More...

Agenda - Statutory meeting of the SADC PF Standing Committee on Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights (DGHR) Held on Sunday 1st May 2022, Johannesburg, South Africa, ahead of the 51st Plenary Assembly.

ELECTIONS-CALENDAR-FOR-SADC-2022-TO-2026

RESOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX FOR THE DGHR COMMITTEE

Concept-Note-Engaging-MPs-on-how-to-use-PFM-to-Execute-Measures-to-Fight-Corruption

Hon President Roger Mancienne

Hon. Marie Joanne Sabrina Tour

About Us

Plenary Items

Committees

Contact us

«	February 2023					»
Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28