Dear Colleagues/partners,

It is with immeasurable pleasure that I release this statement to the Forum’s august Member Parliaments and partners in view of celebrating the International Day of Parliamentarism on this 30th June 2022.

On this dignified day, the Forum celebrates parliamentarism in all its forms, including through national, regional or local parliaments in Southern Africa. It is recognised that parliamentarism at all levels is the embodiment of a functioning democracy which is grounded in the Rule of law and a respect for human rights. A parliament elected through regular, free and fair elections is a guarantee for adequate checks and balances congruent to the sacrosanct notion of separation of powers. The SADC-PF further acknowledges that parliamentarism is an effective form of public engagement, and thus pays tribute to the gracious efforts of its partners around the world, such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which have focused on the crucial theme of public engagement to celebrate parliamentarism in 2022.

Whilst the world slowly recovers from the pandemic and continues to face other health and economic challenges, parliaments remain at the centre stage of reform action. As a peace-building institution, it is the appropriate forum to resolve conflicts through representative, oversight and legislative initiatives that are spearheaded with the approval of the people. Parliamentary dynamism and pro-activeness can thus go a long way to ensure that conflicts are thwarted and that lasting solutions for peace are found through leadership and dialogue. In addition, consistent public engagement remains a necessary ingredient for a participatory democracy.

In this respect, the Forum remains committed to implement Sustainable Development Goal 16 on accountable, effective and inclusive institutions for peace, which reiterates the commitment to strengthen the capacity of Parliaments as provided for in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. While Africa is steering its way towards lasting peace, the Forum will continue to support Parliaments to achieve this noble objective. Long

Live Parliaments!

Yours sincerely,

Ms Boemo M. SEKGOMA,

Secretary General, SADC Parliamentary Forum

30th June 2022

STATEMENT FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE SADC-PF ON THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PARLIAMENTARISM 30TH JUNE 2022