The Standing Committees of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) held virtual statutory meetings from the 09th to the 16th of April 2021.
Matters discussed during this week-long programme included orientation of new Members, deliberation on thematic issues of regional concern, consultation and validation of the framework for developing regional reference documents on the role of Parliaments in curbing corruption, strengthening accountability, and the protection and promotion of human rights in Southern Africa.
The Members of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF), notably Honourable Rosie Bistoquet, Honourable Kelly Samynadin, Honourable Rocky Uranie and Honourable Richard Labrosse attended a Joint Session of SADC-PF Standing Committees and the Regional Women Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC) on Thursday 15th April 2021 along with the Chairperson of the Women Parliamentary Caucus for Seychelles Parliament - Honourable Regina Esparon. During this meeting, the Members deliberated on the urgency of continued investments in eradicating child marriage within the context of COVID-19 guided by the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriages and protecting those already in Marriage which was adopted by the SADC-PF back in 2016. The Joint Sitting also considered the role of Parliamentarians in advancing access to COVID-19 Vaccines, Medicines and Diagnostics.
Other Standing Committee Meetings were held as follows:
On Sunday, 11th April 2021, the Standing Committee on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment chaired by Hon. Anele Ndebele, from Zimbabwe, met to deliberate on enhancing regional economic integration through infrastructure development, focusing specifically on the case of one-stop border posts. Honourable Audrey Vidot sits on this Committee.
On Monday, 12th April 2021, the Standing Committee on the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (FARN), chaired by Hon. Andre Leon Tumba, from DRC, met to deliberate on the role of Parliaments in harnessing domestic tourism in times of pandemics, focusing specifically on COVID-19. Honourable Rocky Uranie sits on this Committee.
On Tuesday, 13th April 2021, the Standing Committee on Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights, chaired by Hon. Jeronima Agostihno, from Mozambique, met to consider prospects and challenges on the role of Parliament in protecting Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law in Southern Africa. Honourable Richard Labrosse sits on this Committee.
On Wednesday, 14th April 2021, the Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Women Advancement and Gender Equality, chaired by Hon. Peete Ramoqai, met to deliberate on the burden of unpaid care and domestic work in Southern Africa within the context of gender inequality. Honourable Kelly Samynadin sits on this Committee.
On Friday, 16th April 2021, the Standing Committee on Human and Social Development and Special Programmes, chaired by Hon. Bertha Ndebele, from Malawi, met to deliberate on how the Committee can enhance its role in the fight against sexual and reproductive health and rights infringements and HIV/AIDS. Honourable Rosie Bistoquet sits on this Committee.
