Story by George Sanzila
Namibian MPs attending the 49th SADCPF Plenary Assembly virtual meeting
Windhoek – The 49th SADC-PF Plenary Assembly hosted virtually by Botswana, has just begun. The event is expected to be officially opened shortly by the president of Botswana , H.E. Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi.
The Plenary Assembly advises the SADC summit on matters of regional policy issues and promotes the objectives and programmes of SADC. The theme of the 49th Plenary Assembly virtul session is “Leveraging the AfCFTA for post Covid Economic Recovery in Southern Africa: The role of SADC Parliamentary Forum and National Parliaments”.
Secretary General of the SADC-PF, Boemo Sekgoma noted in her introductory remarks that some of the achievements of the forum have been the formulation of model laws including the model law on gender based violence and model law on public finance management, she says are crucial in reinforcing good governance, accountability and transparency.
Other items scheduled includes a plenary assembly symposium on the theme, swearing in of new members including five MPs from Namibia and the consideration of Standing Committee reports and Member’s motions.
Namibian MPs attending the event include, Hons. Phillipus Katamelo, Vipuakuje Muharukua, Paula Kooper and Utaara Mootu.
SADC-PF was established in 1997 in accordance with Article 9 (2) of the SADC Treaty as an autonomous institution of SADC. It is a regional inter-parliamentary body composed of fifteen parliaments representing over 3500 parliamentarians in the SADC region. These Member parliaments are Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, eSwatini, Lesotho, Madgascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Seychelles, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The virtual gathering ends on Sunday, 27 June 2021.
