By Moses Magadza

LUANDA, ANGOLA – The Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Ms Boemo Sekgoma, has expressed gratitude to the Republic of Angola through its National Assembly, for supporting the work of the regional interparliamentary body over the years.

The National Assembly of Angola is hosting the 55th Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC PF which is being held under the theme: “The role of Parliaments in promoting renewable energy in the SADC region and creating a single regional energy market”.

In an address to delegates at the official opening on Monday, Ms Sekgoma noted this is the fourth time that the National Assembly of Angola is hosting the SADC Parliamentary Forum Plenary Assembly Session, a testament, the SG said, to a “special relationship” between the SADC PF and the National Assembly.

“I wish to applaud Hon. Carolina Cerqueira, MP, Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Angola, our Host, as well as my highly capable brother, the Secretary General of the National Assembly, Dr. Pedro Agostinho de Neri, for the meticulous arrangements made for the convenience of delegates to this 55th Plenary Assembly Session,” she said.

She added: “By holding this august Plenary Assembly in Angola, we are also celebrating the strong cultural bonds which prevail within the Forum’s Membership as well as the beauty and diversity of languages which bind our region together.”

She appreciated progress that Angola has made to improve the quality of life of its citizens.

“Today, Angola is one of the fastest growing economies in Southern Africa and its flexible policies have attracted significant real estate developments, an influx of Foreign Direct Investment, and has secured employment for thousands of citizens,” she said.

On sustainable development, Ms Sekgoma noted that the Government of Angola has invested mightily in recent years to improve and modernise its public infrastructure.

“Angola is now a hub for trade and commerce and is the home for a range of agro-industries which are bringing sophistication to traditional agricultural practices, leading to an upscaling in jobs and skills. Without doubt, Angola continues to remain a strong economic partner within SADC as well as a promising pillar in implementing the aspirations of the AU’s Africa Agenda 2063.”

She acknowledged the role of the National Assembly of Angola in creating an environment that is conducive for socioeconomic development through the passing of enabling legislation, responsive budgets and exercising oversight over government initiatives to ensure that democracy to thrive.

“This symbiosis between Parliament and the Executive has been mutually beneficial and is indeed an example for other nations to emulate,” she said.

The 55th Plenary takes place shortly after International Day of Parliamentarism that was commemorated on 30th June 2024. In this regard, Ms Sekgoma reiterated the SADC PF’s respect for and adherence to parliamentarism in preserving the rule of law and democracy.

“Parliamentarism means that democracy is in action. It also means that oppression is thwarted through checks and balances exercised by Parliamentarians. It is a guarantee that minorities will be protected, without discrimination of any kind, and where human rights prevail. Parliamentarism also means the peaceful resolution of dispute through dialogue. A country where Parliament is active and functional is a country which that enjoys and security,” she said. 

Turning to attendance, the SG said the 55th Plenary had drawn delegates from 12 of the SADC PF’s 15 Member Parliaments, with nine delegates being led by Speakers who include three female Speakers from Angola, Zambia and the United Republic of Tanzania.

“Three Parliaments are absent with apologies: Madagascar, Mauritius, and South Africa. We have a total of 67 Parliamentarians attending the meeting. In terms of gender, 27 of the 67 Members are female. Three Regional Parliaments namely, Forum of Parliaments of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, the East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) and the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) are represented,” she explained.

Clerks and Secretaries General of 11 of our 15 Member Parliaments are also present, as is His Excellency Ambassador Onyango Kakoba, Secretary General of the Forum of Parliaments of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.