By Moses Magadza

Windhoek, Namibia – The Vice President of the SADC PF, Hon. Sylvia Elizabeth Lucas, has praised Zambia’s advancements in leadership and national security strategy.

Hon Lucas did this last week during a courtesy call on the Speaker of the National Assembly of Zambia, Hon. Nelly Butete Kashumba Mutti. The courtesy call happened during a roundtable in Lusaka, focusing on security, rule of law, and capacity development.

Ms. Clare Musonda, Programme Manager for the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, and Ms. Paulina Kanguatjivi, Assistant Procedural Officer both at SADC PF, accompanied Hon. Lucas on the visit.

“We have been privileged to participate in the National Security Strategy Implementation and Rule of Law Roundtable, hosted by the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies. The deliberations have been invaluable, focusing on Zambia, Botswana, and Malawi, and the need for stronger civilian oversight in defence and security policymaking,” Hon. Lucas told the Speaker.

The roundtable, held from February 4 to 7, brought together key stakeholders, including parliamentarians, military officials, and representatives from international organisations, to align national and sectoral security strategies and improve the civil-military relationship.

“The involvement of both uniformed and civilian leaders in this workshop is expected to contribute to a healthy civilian and military relationship, which remains necessary for effective strategy-making and implementation,” Hon. Lucas said.

Hon. Lucas congratulated Speaker Mutti for her historic appointment as the first female Speaker of the Zambian Parliament, describing it as “an inspirational achievement that has broken the glass ceiling for women in leadership.”

She added, “Your leadership is a testament to Zambia’s progress in gender equality and a reminder that women can excel in the highest positions of power. We hope many more women in Zambia and the region will follow your example.”

Reflecting on the SADC PF’s commitment to gender equality, Hon. Lucas reaffirmed the Forum’s support for women’s participation in decision-making.

“The SADC PF firmly supports not only gender equality but also the inclusion of women in leadership positions. Your role, Madam Speaker, is an important milestone in this journey.”

Hon. Lucas also expressed gratitude to the Zambian Parliament for its ongoing support of SADC PF initiatives.

“We know that we have a dependable ally in Zambia. Your unwavering support for the Forum’s programmes at both regional and domestic levels is deeply appreciated,” she said.

The visit to Zambia also brought back fond memories for the SADC PF delegation, particularly of the 56th Plenary Assembly held in Livingstone in December 2024, which was hosted by Zambia. Hon. Lucas thanked the Speaker and the Zambian Parliament for their hospitality and support.

“Coming back to Zambia is nostalgic; we cannot forget the warm reception we received in Livingstone, the home of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.”

On her part,Hon. Mutti reiterated Zambia’s commitment to advancing regional parliamentary cooperation and integration. She highlighted the role of parliaments in fostering peace, security, and legislative development across the region.

She congratulated Hon. Lucas on her election as Vice-President of SADC-PF during the 56th Plenary Assembly.

“With your wealth of experience spanning over four decades as a women’s rights activist, civil servant, and parliamentarian, I am optimistic that the SADC-PF community will benefit immensely from your leadership,” she said.

The Speaker expressed confidence in the outcomes of the National Security Strategy Implementation and Rule of Law roundtable meeting. She noted that the meeting was timely, given the pressing security issues in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Northern Cabo Delgado Province in Mozambique.

“The news of over 150 women inmates being raped and burnt to death during the Goma jail breakout is disheartening. However, we remain optimistic that the upcoming 37th African Union Summit will address the emergency in the Eastern DRC,” Hon. Mutti stated.

Highlighting Zambia’s parliamentary legacy, Hon. Mutti reflected on the institution’s centenary celebrations held last year.

“Our legislature has contributed greatly to constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and peace and security at national, regional, and global levels,” she said, noting the evolution of the National Assembly from an initial 25 members to its current composition of 167 members.

She also lamented the low representation of women in the Zambian Parliament, with only 15% of MPs being female, while reaffirming the Assembly’s commitment to promoting gender inclusivity.

Hon. Mutti commended SADC-PF for selecting Zambia to host the 56th Plenary Assembly in Livingstone, where discussions focused on modernising parliamentary processes through digital platforms and artificial intelligence. She hailed progress made towards the Forum’s planned transformation into a regional parliament.

“Transforming the Forum into a Parliament will undoubtedly enhance its mandate and influence, creating a robust and coherent legislative framework that contributes significantly to regional integration,” Hon. Mutti remarked.

As part of the Strategic Lobbying Team for this transformation, she pledged Zambia’s unwavering support in securing the adoption of the protocol to establish the regional parliament.

The Speaker called for domestic resource mobilisation to sustain initiatives such as the SIDA-funded Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, HIV and AIDS, and Governance Project, particularly considering global geopolitical challenges affecting donor funding.

She reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to SADC-PF’s mission and looked forward to the forthcoming Plenary Assembly in Zimbabwe later this year.

“We will continue to work together to transform the Forum into a fully-fledged regional Parliament, fostering greater regional integration and cooperation,” she said.

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