27 July 2025

By Moses Magadza in Johannesburg

To bolster parliamentary oversight and enhance legislative action on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across the region, the SADC Parliamentary Forum convened a two-day induction and capacity-building workshop for its Standing Committee on Human and Social Development and Special Programmes (HSDSP) in Johannesburg, South Africa.

At the end of the session, new members reaffirmed their commitment to people-centred development, ethical leadership, and regional integration.

Held under the theme, “Ensuring Inclusive Human and Social Development at Parliamentary Level which Mirrors and Heightens the Implementation Capacity of SADC as an Institution”, the session drew together 10 Members of Parliament from 10  SADC countries.

There were also technical partners, civil society actors, and SADC Secretariat officials for deliberations on public health, SRHR, adolescent wellbeing, HIV prevention, and broader human development goals.

HSDSP Committee Chairperson, Hon. Mope Khati from Lesotho, described the engagement as “transformative,” and called on MPs to legislate with courage, compassion, and a deep sense of accountability to the people.

“The work of this Committee is not just a parliamentary function, it is a moral obligation to ensure that the policies we advance bring real, measurable change to the lives of SADC citizens,” he stated.

Throughout the workshop, participants critically reflected on regional instruments, including the SADC Vision 2050 and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP), as well as the implementation of the Swedish-funded SRHR, HIV, and AIDS Governance Project (2023–2026), which is currently active in 12 Member Parliaments.

In her keynote address at the opening, SADC PF Secretary General, Her Excellency Boemo Sekgoma, highlighted the strategic role of the HSDSP Committee in shaping responsive laws and oversight frameworks.

“Parliament must act to enhance the execution of human and social development programmes by the Executive by seeking accountability through oversight, enacting responsive legislation, and passing enabling budgets,” she said.

Ms Sekgoma warned against complacency in the face of evolving public expectations and called for bold legislative responses to new challenges.

“What was tolerated 10 years ago is not acceptable today. Citizens now demand high-quality, accessible health care and social protection, and they demand it with urgency,” she cautioned.

She urged MPs to embrace innovation, including artificial intelligence and data-driven governance, and to consider climate justice and equitable health financing as inseparable from the broader development agenda.

“Human and social development is dynamic. The tools, strategies, and mindsets we adopt must be equally responsive,” she said, stressing the importance of cross-sectoral integration.

The workshop was enriched by insights from renowned technical experts, including SAfAIDS Executive Director Rouzeh Eghtessadi, who led sessions on values clarification and the links between SRHR, climate resilience, and gender equality; Professor Kaymarlin Govender of HEARD, who contextualised SRHR in the post-ICPD25 era; Mr Jonathan Gunthorp of SRHR Africa Trust, who underscored adolescent wellbeing as an economic enabler; and Ms Michaela Clayton from ARASA, who deconstructed rights-based funding barriers in SRHR and HIV responses.

Hon. Khati paid tribute to these partners for “rekindling our shared conviction to act with urgency.” He commended the Secretary General’s leadership.

“Her guidance continues to strengthen this Committee’s role in reinforcing SADC’s institutional implementation capacity,” he said.

Hon. Khati challenged the lawmakers to turn resolutions into tangible outcomes.

“Let us become accountability partners, not just to our citizens but to each other. Though the challenges before us are great, so too is our shared purpose, and with it, the undeniable power to shape a region where every citizen can live with health, dignity, and hope.”

In a message to delegates shortly after the induction, Ms Sekgoma called it a “transformative engagement” and advocated sustained momentum.

She expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the event.

“This workshop has ignited a renewed sense of purpose. It has set the groundwork for legislators to drive legislative reforms that truly respond to the needs of our people, and to ensure that no one is left behind in the realisation of their health, dignity, and rights,” she said.

The SG praised the contributions of expert partners, saying that their technical expertise had enriched discussions around Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and related legislative imperatives.

She reserved special thanks for SAT, whose close collaboration with the Forum ensured that the event was not only substantive in content but also professionally branded.

“Your partnership elevated the visibility and resonance of our shared mission,” she noted.

To the presenters, Ms Sekgoma conveyed gratitude for the “wealth of gnosis” they shared, which, she said, had “challenged us to think more critically and act more boldly in service of the people of our region.”

She was equally effusive in her praise of the lawmakers who attended the workshop, applauding their energy, commitment, and engagement.

“Your active participation reaffirmed the power of people-centred, evidence-based law-making. Your passion and resolve have laid a solid foundation to change the picture of access to SRHR services and commodities, and to advance the protection of rights for all, especially the most vulnerable among us,” she said.

Apart from Hon. Khati, Vice Chairperson Hon. Lynette Karenyi  (Zimbabwe); Hon. Luisa P. F. Damiao Santos (Angola); Hon. Mpho Morolong (Botswana); Hon. Clement Muboyayi Muya (DRC); Sen. Dr. Linda Nxumalo (Eswatini); Hon. Dr. Fiarovana Lovanirina Célestin (Madagascar); Hon. Jeronima Agostinho (Mozambique); Hon. Bonginkosi Madikizela (South Africa); and Hon. Julien Nyemba (Zambia) participated.

The workshop was part of the Forum’s efforts to strengthen parliamentary oversight and legislative responses around SRHR in the region, in line with its mandate to promote inclusive, people-propelled democracy across the SADC region.

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