South Africa’s Minister of Human Settlements, Honourable Thembi Simelane, MP, has challenged lawmakers across the SADC region to confront the climate crisis with urgency, unity, and bold legislative action.

She made the call on Monday during a symposium of the 58th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), hosted by the Parliament of South Africa—the highest decision-making body of the Forum.

The President of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) and Speaker of the Parliament of Madagascar, Hon. Randrianasoloniaiko Siteny Thierry, has called for renewed political will, deeper regional integration, and accelerated approval of the Protocol on the SADC Parliament.

He made the call at the official opening of the 58th Plenary Assembly in Durban on Sunday.

The Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa, Hon. Thoko Didiza, has urged Southern African parliaments to act collaboratively and urgently to confront the mounting climate crisis, warning that women and youth are paying the highest price for inaction.

Addressing the media at the opening of the 58th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) in Durban, Hon. Didiza stressed that the region could no longer afford rhetorical commitments while communities continue to lose homes, livelihoods, and dignity.

The Chairperson of the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC), Hon. Senator Dr Lindiwe Nxumalo of Eswatini, has urged Member Parliaments to confront escalating threats facing women and girls across the region, particularly in the digital space.

Addressing delegates at the start of the 58th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum in eThekwini on Sunday, Sen. Nxumalo warned that the gains made by generations of women leaders remain fragile as gender-based violence evolves into new forms.

The new Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, Hon. Azarel Jolinda Ernesta, has announced that Seychelles will host the 59th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) early next year.

DURBAN - SADC PF, 58th Plenary Assembly, Durban, Boemo Sekgoma, Paul Mashatile, SADC Parliaments, climate change, women and youth, parliamentary leadership, regional integration, African governance, gender equality, Southern Africa, SADC Protocol on Gender, eThekwini

South Africa’s Deputy President, His Excellency Mr. Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, has officially opened the 58th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) with a call for bold, coordinated, and gender-responsive action to confront the escalating climate crisis.

The new President of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) and Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar, Honourable Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, officially opened the SADC PF Executive Committee meeting in Durban on Wednesday, marking his debut in the role.

In his maiden address, he expressed humility, gratitude and a firm commitment to strengthening regional parliamentary cooperation.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) connects 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of over USD 3 trillion. It has the potential to significantly increase intra-African trade, accelerate industrialization and enable inclusive development across the continent.

National Parliaments play a decisive role in advancing AfCFTA implementation by ensuring policy alignment, providing legislative oversight and fostering accountable governance.

Recognizing this, the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) together with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is hosting a virtual capacity building webinar to empower lawmakers in supporting the AfCFTA agenda.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, 6 November 2025
Time: 10:00 to 11:45 (GMT+2)
Platform: Zoom Webinar
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gGnP92eKQlqmVr9TBFhtZg#/registration

Programme – 6 November 2025 (GMT+2)