On the morning of Thursday 4th April 2024, the Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (PF) Ms. Boemo Sekgoma paid a Courtesy Call on the Speaker of the National Assembly, and President of the SADC PF, Hon. Roger Mancienne. SG Sekgoma was accompanied by the SADC PF Director of Finance and Corporate Services Mrs. Yapoka Mungandi. The Hon. Speaker received the Secretary General with the Deputy Speaker Hon. Gervais Henrie, Clerk of the National Assembly Mrs. Tania Isaac, Deputy Clerk Ms. Alexandria Faure, and SADC PF SRHR Researcher Ms. Genevieve Daniel.
The SADC PF delegation is currently on a working visit to Seychelles which is set to culminate in the signing of the Implementation Agreement for the next phase of the SRHR Governance Project, as well as the unveiling of the SADC PF Strategic Plan 2024-2028. Ms. Sekgoma remarked that feedback on the ongoing programme was highly positive, with fruitful meetings being conducted with both Members of the National Assembly and staff of the National Assembly Service.
The Secretary General reinforced the idea that Members and Staff are crucial to the success of this project, with a focus on capacity-building, inclusion, and creativity when developing outreach strategies. Ms. Sekgoma then took the opportunity to note that this occasion and the successful implementation of the project would leave a positive legacy following the conclusion of Hon. Mancienne’s tenure as SADC PF President at the close of this year.
The Hon. Speaker thanked the Secretary General for her efforts and dedication in the progression of the SRHR Project, noting that it was a demanding responsibility requiring diplomacy and careful management of resources and relations. Hon. Mancienne emphasised the importance of this project involving the entirety of the National Assembly, and the ownership of this initiative as a parliamentary enterprise. Sensitisation of both the parliament and the public is a must, with the Speaker commenting that the “SADC PF is one of the most robust organisations, of which we are privileged to engage with on such a level”.
The Clerk Mrs. Isaac made a brief intervention in which she detailed her encouraging experience connecting with the SADC PF, noting that it was a pleasure to have been able to watch the growth and development of the SADC PF as an institution, and looked forward to seeing the advancements being made under continually improved governance structures. SRHR Researcher Ms. Daniel also noted that this project has seen varying stages of development but has always been one that is making a difference and seeing real results in the SADC region.
The Speaker and Deputy Speaker then presented the delegation with tokens of appreciation, before the meeting came to a close.
