By Moses Magadza in eThekwini, South Africa

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 SADC Parliament Protocol.

He made the call at the official opening of the 58th Plenary Assembly in Durban on Sunday, November 30.

Hon. Siteny thanked the Parliament and people of South Africa for their exceptional hospitality. He described eThekwini as “a beautiful coastal city known for a rich cultural heritage, unity, and shared aspirations of our SADC region.”

He commended the Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa, Hon. Thoko Didiza, for hosting the Plenary. He also thanked the National Council of Provinces and Acting South African President H.E. Paul Mashatile for their support.

Hon. Siteny used his first Plenary Assembly as President of SADC PF to rally Member States behind the long-awaited transformation of the Forum into a fully-fledged SADC Parliament.

He praised South Africa’s longstanding leadership on the matter and recalled a pivotal moment in Windhoek seven years ago.

“We especially remember with pride the events of the 38th Ordinary SADC Summit in Windhoek, Namibia, in August 2018, where H.E. Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa eloquently and unequivocally expressed the imperative of establishing a SADC Parliament that can amplify the people’s voice, enhance democratic oversight, and shape the future of our integration,” he said.

He appealed directly to Acting President Mashatile saying, “We continue to count on South Africa’s unwavering support to secure the approval and ratification of the Protocol on the SADC Parliament…

We humbly appeal to Your Excellency to serve as our ambassador among your esteemed colleagues, championing the approval of the SADC Parliament by August 2026.”

The SADC PF President highlighted the Forum’s expanding influence in good governance, democratic consolidation, and people-centred regional integration.

He highlighted the Forum’s model laws, enhanced oversight tools, and strengthened inter-parliamentary cooperation, noting, “The SADC PF has consistently demonstrated its value as a strategic platform for fostering inter-parliamentary cooperation and laying a robust foundation for enhanced citizen engagement in the regional integration agenda.”

He further emphasised that the Forum had matured institutionally and administratively.

“I am proud to affirm that the institution has embraced modern management systems underpinned by strong corporate governance principles, positioning the Forum as a credible and professional body, well-placed to evolve into a fully-fledged SADC Parliament,” he stated.

Hon. Siteny said the 58th Plenary Assembly provided a moment for sober reflection and strategic repositioning.

He said, “The Session allows us to assess our progress transparently, to learn from our past with humility, and to shape our regional integration agenda with determination.”

He added that the Plenary Assembly remained central to shaping the region’s democratic future.

“It is here that we deliberate, create partnerships, reflect, and renew our shared resolve to deepen democracy, strengthen governance, and advance the well-being of our people,” he stated.

He reaffirmed his commitment to steering the Forum with unity and purpose.

“May this Plenary Assembly strengthen our unity, sharpen our vision, and renew our resolve to build a more peaceful, prosperous, and integrated SADC region.”

He thanked Acting President Mashatile for opening the Plenary. He said his presence was “a steadfast commitment to parliamentary democracy and regional integration.”

The 58th Plenary Assembly is held under the theme “The Impact of Climate Change in the SADC Region and the Role of Parliaments in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.”