GRATEFUL: President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana (left) holds up a gift from the Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, Hon. Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda shortly after he signed the Agreement Amending the SADC Treaty to establish a SADC Regional Parliament.
By Moses Magadza recently in Botswana
The establishment of a SADC Regional Parliament would not infringe on the independence of Member States nor require any significant added resources.
The Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, Hon. Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda, gave the assurance shortly after the signing of the Agreement Amending the SADC Treaty to establish a SADC Regional Parliament recently by the President of Botswana, Advocate Duma Boko.
He said the signing marks the culmination of a 15-year journey towards greater regional legislative cooperation.
Turning to national sovereignty and resources, he said, that the transformation process remains financially prudent, legally sound, and administratively feasible.
“There is no burdening additional financial, legal, or administrative costs beyond what already exists under the SADC Parliamentary Forum.”
He highlighted the significance of the envisaged Regional Parliament in aligning the SADC governance architecture with continental bodies.
“It will solidify SADC’s governance framework, aligning it with the Pan-African Parliament and other continental parliamentary structures,” he said.
Advocate Mudenda hailed the official signing ceremony as a “profound honour” and a significant leap forward for democratic governance in the region.
“This historic milestone… solidifies the transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum into a fully-fledged SADC Regional Parliament,” he said.
“The journey… has spanned nearly 15 years, a testament to the resilience, commitment and unwavering dedication of the distinguished leaders gathered here today,” he added.
He praised Botswana’s swift action in appending her signature to the amendment. He noted that 14 of the 15 SADC Member States have now signed, with only Mauritius outstanding.
He said Mauritius was reportedly on the verge of signing and engagements with the Comoros were ongoing.
He described President Boko’s support for the process as a “resounding affirmation of steadfast commitment” to regional governance and democratic consolidation.
“Your incisive grasp of constitutional law and legislative frameworks has been pivotal in shaping the SADC PF’s Transformation discourse,” Adv. Mudenda said.
He acknowledged President Boko’s previous contributions to the SADC Parliamentary Forum.
He extended an invitation to all SADC Member States to attend the 57th Plenary Assembly of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, scheduled for 31 May to 7 June 2025 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
- Moses Magadza is the Media and Communications Manager at the SADC Parliamentary Forum.
