By Moses Magadza

Windhoek, Namibia – The SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) has expressed sorrow following the death of Mr. Roy Ngulube, the Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia, who died on 7 April 2025 while on official duty in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Mr. Ngulube was in Tashkent as part of a Zambian parliamentary delegation attending the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, led by Speaker Nelly Mutti.

His sudden passing has sent shockwaves across the region, with tributes pouring in to honour a man widely respected for his dedication to parliamentary service and regional cooperation.

In a condolence message, the Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Ms. Boemo Sekgoma, paid tribute to Mr. Ngulube’s extensive contributions to regional parliamentary development.

“Mr. Ngulube was not only a consummate parliamentary professional but also a steadfast advocate for regional cooperation, innovation, and democratic governance,” she said in a statement, adding that he was also “a strong pillar” in the SADC Committee of Clerks and Secretaries General of Parliaments.

Mr. Ngulube’s relationship with the SADC PF dates to his tenure as Executive Assistant to the Secretary General between 2006 and 2008. In that role, he helped lay a solid foundation for inter-parliamentary collaboration within the region.

His service, Ms. Sekgoma noted, was marked by “an unwavering commitment to the principles that underpin the Forum’s work.”

Throughout a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Mr. Ngulube rose through the ranks of the Zambian Parliament.

He held key positions including Assistant Committee Clerk, Deputy Clerk for both Procedure and Administration, and, Clerk of the National Assembly, a position he assumed in September 2023.

In recent years, he remained integrally involved in the work of the SADC PF, contributing thought leadership and strategic input to several key initiatives, including the SADC PF Sweden-funded SRHR, HIV and AIDS Governance Project.

“His participation was marked by diligence, vision, and a tireless dedication to improving legislative responsiveness to public health and social development imperatives,” said Ms. Sekgoma.

A strong proponent of modernising parliamentary communication, Mr. Ngulube helped Zambia’s Parliament in expanding its operational radio and television broadcasting services to enhance public access and participation.

He was also an early advocate for leveraging emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to streamline legislative processes.

“His bold embrace of innovation was a testament to his forward-thinking leadership,” noted Ms. Sekgoma. She added, “He will be remembered for his spirit of collegiality, mentorship, and principled engagement.”

His colleagues saluted him for championing gender equality in parliamentary leadership, ethical donor engagement, and strengthening institutional ties with development partners.

Ms. Sekgoma said the impact of Mr Ngulube’s work was enduring.

“We celebrate a life of dedicated service, quiet strength, and an enduring legacy. May his family and colleagues find solace in the knowledge that his work touched many lives and that his legacy will continue to inspire.”

Delegates attending the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, observed a moment of silence in remembrance of Mr Ngulube on Tuesday

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