Invoking the Spirit of Durban
In her opening statement, Secretary General Sekgoma welcomed delegates by evoking Durban’s historic significance in the region’s collective consciousness.
“There is something about being here in the majestic city of eThekwini, Durban, a place whose very sands and shorelines carry the stories of our region, our struggle and our aspirations… that invokes a spirit of radicalism.”
eThekwini’s legacy—from the strategic brilliance of King Shaka to anti-apartheid resistance and the moral leadership of Nelson Mandela—served as a powerful backdrop to her address.
Ms. Sekgoma reminded delegates that Durban is not just a venue but a metaphor for Southern Africa’s resilience, “a place where people stood together, thought together, and acted together.”
Honouring South Africa’s Leadership
She paid “profound tribute” to Acting President Mashatile for South Africa’s transformative leadership of the G20:
“Under his guidance, Africa did not merely participate. Africa led.”
She commended South Africa’s advocacy for multilateralism, equity, and reform of global financial systems:
“You set a new benchmark for visionary African leadership on the world stage.”
The Secretary General also applauded Hon. Thoko Didiza for her distinguished leadership of the African Geopolitical Group at the Inter-Parliamentary Union, which elevated Africa’s presence in global parliamentary diplomacy.
“You have demonstrated through action, intellect and unwavering resolve that women can, and women do, lead with distinction on the world stage.”
Climate Change Takes Centre Stage
The Plenary’s theme - “The Impact of Climate Change on Women and Youth in the SADC Region and the Role of Parliaments in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation” - featured prominently in Ms. Sekgoma’s appeal for urgent action.
“The climate crisis is no longer an approaching threat. It is a daily reality… Women and young people are on the frontline, and Parliaments must respond with equal urgency, innovation and courage.”
She highlighted shared vulnerabilities across the region, including:
Droughts in Zambia
Cyclones in Mozambique
Rising sea levels along the Indian Ocean coastline
A Call for Regional Unity
Ms. Sekgoma connected historical narratives—from King Shaka’s unifying statecraft to the solidarity of the Frontline States—to today’s need for deeper regional integration.
“Despite their ideological differences, they were united by a simple, powerful truth: the freedom of one African country depends on the freedom of all.”
This spirit, she said, must drive SADC’s work toward:
Industrialisation
Implementation of AfCFTA
Free movement of goods and people
Accountability in resource governance
She applauded SADC MPs for speaking boldly on humanitarian crises and global conflicts:
“This is parliamentary activism at its best — principled, people-centred and globally conscious.”
Guardians of Constitutionalism
Ms. Sekgoma emphasised that Parliaments are not just legislative bodies but:
“Guardians of constitutionalism, mediators, and moral compasses.”
She cited South Africa’s globally respected Constitution, judicial leadership, multilingual diversity, and strong stance against gender-based violence as regional benchmarks.
“South Africa is a story of rising from conflict to justice, from division to unity, from rupture to renewal.”
A Call to History
Ms. Sekgoma urged delegates to transcend narrow interests and think in generational terms.
“This Plenary is not simply a gathering. It is a call to history.”
She added:
“We must think beyond borders. We must legislate beyond election cycles. We must oversee beyond the confines of domestic politics. We must Think SADC. Think Africa. Think the future.”
She called for the Maputo Development Corridor to become:
“A functional continental artery”
and urged delegates to champion youth empowerment, women’s economic participation, sustainable resource use, and budget transparency.
“Let us rise to the moment. Let us steer change. Let us serve our people.”
The Plenary continues throughout the week.
