By Moses Magadza

Gaborone, Botswana – The Speaker of the National Assembly of Botswana, Honourable Dithapelo Lefoko Keorapetse has said that the transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum into a regional parliament will improve SADC citizens’ participation in regional affairs.

The Speaker made the remarks on Wednesday last week when the President of Botswana, Advocate Duma Boko signed the Agreement amending the SADC Treaty to recognize the SADC Parliament as an official institution of the regional bloc.

Hon Keorapetse said a SADC Parliament would further promote member states’ compliance with the SADC principles and guidelines governing democratic elections.

He described Botswana’s signing as a moment of “joy, pride and honour,” that reflects longstanding support for the SADC PF and the push for a regional parliament.

“This milestone of almost three decades was achieved through persistent dedication to promoting democracy and good governance in the region,” Speaker Keorapetse said.

He traced Botswana’s journey with the SADC PF since its inception in 1997 and stressed the importance of having a regional parliamentary body to provide a platform for SADC citizens’ voices in regional affairs.

He noted that while other regions such as West, East, and Central Africa established similar parliamentary institutions, Southern Africa lagged behind.

“All these informed the idea of the establishment of a Parliamentary Consultative Assembly in Southern Africa with the intention of establishing a Regional Parliament,” he said.

He said Botswana’s firm stance in support of the transformation was reaffirmed when the country’s Parliament, in 2010, debated and passed a motion backing the establishment of a SADC Parliament. However, the journey to last week’s historic signing was not without challenges.

Speaker Keorapetse highlighted several lobby missions that engaged Botswana’s leadership over the years, including visits to former Presidents Dr. Festus Mogae, Lt General Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, and Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi.

The most recent mission in August 2024, led by Zimbabwe’s Speaker Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda, was instrumental in advancing the cause.

“I am pleased to announce that the meeting (with President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko) ended on a positive note with the President giving assurance and direction that it was time for Botswana to sign the Agreement,” Speaker Keorapetse stated.

He hailed the transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum into a fully-fledged regional parliament as a critical step in deepening democracy, enhancing citizen participation in regional governance, and promoting gender equality.

He stressed Botswana’s belief that the transformation was “a vital step towards bolstering democratic governance and ensuring that regional integration and development take place.”

• Moses Magadza is the Media and Communications Manager at the SADC Parliamentary Forum.