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

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 4TH AND 5TH NOVEMBER 2022 AT PREMIER HOTEL JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

SALUTATIONS

  • Her Excellency Ms Boemo Sekgoma, SADC PF Secretary General represented by Mrs Yapoka Mungandi, Director Finance and Corporate Services;
  • Her Excellency Mrs Romana Königsbrun, Austrian Ambassador to South Africa and SADC;
  • Chairperson of the Regional Parliamentary Model Laws Oversight Committee, Hon. Ishmael Ndaila Onani;
  • Our Keynote Speaker, Mr Siphosami Malunga, Director of Programmes, Open Society Foundation- Africa;
  • Tatenda Mavetera, Vice Chairperson of PAP Youth Caucus and Member of Parliament from Zimbawe;
  • Honourable Members of Parliament from various SADC National Parliaments;
  • Former Director for Political Affairs for the African Union Commission, Dr Khabele Matlosa;
  • Representatives from partner organisations, including SADC Secretariat, SADC Lawyers Association, International IDEA and Afro-barometer Southern Africa;
  • Representatives of Youth Organisations;
  • Representatives of Civil Society Organisations;
  • Distinguished Participants.

 

I am delighted to join the Secretary General in welcoming Honourable Members and stakeholders to this meeting organised under the auspices of the Standing Committee on Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights, for which I am the Chairperson.

Hon. Members and Distinguished Participants,

The issues under consideration, namely, separation of powers, strengthening of oversight, democratic accountability, protection of human rights and inclusive governance, are matters that are dear to our Committee in view of its mandate pursuant to Rule 42(d) of the SADC PF Rules of Procedure.

For the benefit of participants who are interacting with the Committee for the first time, the Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights (DGHR) is one of the five Standing Committees of SADC PF and is mandated to:

“… deal with democratisation and governance issues including open, transparent and accountable governance, democracy, political participation including elections, security, peace and stability on the basis of collective responsibility, rule of law, human rights, and conflict resolution…”

 

In pursuit of this mandate, the Committee has over the years spearheaded various programme interventions aimed at strengthening the institution of Parliament and enhancing its role in promoting the deepening of democracy in the SADC region. This thrust is in line with the Forum’s vision of being the Flag-Bearer of Democratisation and Socio-Economic Development of the SADC Region” as stipulated in its Strategic Plan (2019 to 2023).

Hon. Members and Distinguished Participants,

As indicated by the Secretary General in her address, strong Parliaments are the basis for any effective democratic accountability framework. It is, therefore, important for Parliaments to use its constitutional functions to ensure checks and balance between the organs of state in order to curtail abuse of state power.

In addition, to ensuring checks and balance, democratic accountability also requires Parliament to use its constitutional mandate to entrench the rule of law and constitutionalism. Democratic accountability is betrayed if Parliament fails to promote the principles of constitutionalism, including independence of the judiciary; due process or fair hearings for those charged with criminal offences; respect for individual rights; accountability in the governance process; equality under the law; strong constitutions with constitutional limits on power; human rights; an effective electoral system; commitment to gender equality; laws to protect minorities and other vulnerable groups; and a strong civil society.

Hon. Members and Distinguished Participants,

The reality is that our Region, just like elsewhere on the continent, still battles with very dominant executives that often throws its weight on Parliaments and the Judiciary.

It is, therefore, important for Parliaments to devise strategies to constantly engage with stakeholders such as civil society, media, cooperating partners and more importantly, citizens, in order to collectively find solutions to these challenges. We have a collective duty to build the SADC community where citizens have a voice and are empowered to fully participate in the governance processes directly and through us, as their elected representatives.

This is precisely why we are convening this Regional Policy Conference.

Hon. Members and Distinguished Participants,

As I conclude, allow me, on behalf of the DGHR Committee, to thank Members of the DGHR Committee and the Regional Model Laws Oversight Committee, as well as all the participants, for sparing time to attend this important Policy Dialogue. Allow me to also express my appreciation to our distinguished source persons for graciously accepting to come and make presentations. I would have failed in my duty if I do not specially thank Her Excellency Mrs Romana Königsbrun, Austrian Ambassador to South Africa and SADC for gracing this occasion and accepting to deliver remarks, and Mr Siphosami Malunga, Director of Programmes, Open Society Foundation- Africa, who will deliver the keynote address.

Last but not least, special mention goes to the Government of Sweden, GIZ and Austrian Development Agency (ADA), for the financial support for this event.

Hon. Members and Distinguished Participants,

I wish you a successful Policy Dialogue.

I thank you.

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

 

À propos de nous

Le Forum parlementaire de la Communauté de développement de l'Afrique australe (SADC PF) a été créé en 1997 conformément à l'article 9 (2) du Traité de la SADC en tant qu'institution autonome de la SADC. Il s'agit d'un organe interparlementaire régional composé de treize (14) parlements représentant plus de 3500 parlementaires dans la région de la SADC.

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