……………… as Forum strengthens governance, accountability

Moses Magadza

Windhoek, Namibia – The Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) has taken a significant step in strengthening governance, accountability, and risk management by holding the inaugural meeting of its Audit & Risk Committee.

The meeting, held virtually on 21 February 2025, saw the election of Hon. Kalalwe Mukosa, a Member of Parliament from Zambia, as the Chairperson, and Hon. Mosimanegare Kenneth Mmoiemang, a Member of Parliament from South Africa, as the Deputy Chairperson for a two-year term.

Other members of the committee – whose members are expected to increase – are Leornard Mwalwanda from Malawi, and Hon Faustin Kaziteriko-Kenda from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The establishment of the Audit & Risk Committee follows the approval of its Terms of Reference (TORs) by the 56th Plenary Assembly – the highest decision-making body of the SADC PF – which took place in Livingstone, Zambia, from 8 to 15 December 2024.

SADC PF Secretary General Boemo Sekgoma said the new committee is “a crucial governance mechanism designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and financial oversight within SADC PF.”

The committee’s inaugural meeting served as a platform to introduce members, clarify their roles and responsibilities, and outline its work plan.

Discussions centred on the committee’s mandate, scope of authority, reporting mechanisms, and working modalities to ensure efficient and effective operations.

In his acceptance remarks, Mukosa expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and pledged to work diligently with committee members to fulfil the committee’s mandate.

“I would like to just show my appreciation to the members of the SADC PF Audit and Risk Committee for this honour and privilege that they have given me to serve as the Chairperson of this particularly important committee.

“I will work using my experience and, of course, with the support of the members. I will not disappoint the members and the Forum, and I do not take this privilege that has been bestowed on me for granted,” he said.

Mmoiemang, also conveyed his appreciation upon being elected as the Deputy Chairperson, and said he was committed to teamwork and effective leadership.

“Allow me to express my gratitude for the confidence that has been displayed by members of the committee on my election as the Deputy Chair. I am also committed to collaborating very closely with the team, and I will always be a dependable team player,” he stated.

Sekgoma stressed the importance of the Audit & Risk Committee in upholding good governance and meeting donor expectations.

“This is an important governance structure in our organisation. We are depending on your leadership and the collective leadership of the committee to ensure that we do not disappoint; we innovate, we elevate, and we co-create to establish a committee that aligns with a parliamentary setup and the ethos of governance,” she stated.

Samuel Bokosi works as an Internal Auditor for the SADC PF and will serve the committee as its secretary. He said with its leadership now in place, the Audit & Risk Committee is set to begin its work, ensuring that SADC PF continues to uphold principles of financial accountability, effective risk management, and good governance.

The committee will play a vital role in overseeing the Forum’s financial and risk management practices. This is expected to enhance operational transparency and reinforce donor confidence.

“The next steps for the committee will include finalising its work plan, determining the frequency of meetings, and developing mechanisms to ensure efficient operations,” Bokosi stated.

Moses Magadza (PhD) is the Media and Communications Manager at the SADC PF.