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A fireside chat was held to discuss the transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) into a SADC Parliament. The session was moderated by Rachel Gondo from the Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM) and featured panelists including SADC desk officers from various national parliaments and representatives from civil society organizations.
Several issues arose from the fireside chat. To date, 12 member states have now signed the agreement to amend the SADC Treaty, allowing for the establishment of the SADC Parliament.
Non-state actors highlighted the importance of their involvement in supporting and monitoring the SADC-PF’s work, including providing technical expertise and capacity building.
One of the panelists, Julie Middleton, the Consortium Project Manager of Action Aid International hailed the collaboration between SADC-PF and civil society on issues such as sexual and reproductive health rights, public financial management, and gender-based violence.
She emphasized the significance of model laws developed by SADC-PF and the need for their domestication at national levels. Fireside discussions addressed how to ensure representation for women and youth in the new SADC Parliament structure.
The introduction of virtual public hearings was highlighted as an important mechanism for increasing citizen participation and engagement with regional parliamentarians.
Joe Mzinga, the Regional Coordinator for the East and Southern African Small-Scale Farmers’ Forum said the transformation to a SADC Parliament presents opportunities for strengthened regional integration and accountability.
He said non-state actors play a crucial role in providing expertise, monitoring, and advocacy in the parliamentary process.
“There is a need for increased efforts to domesticate model laws at the national level and to ensure inclusive representation, particularly for women and youth, which are critical aspects in the new parliamentary structure. Innovative approaches like virtual public hearings can enhance citizen participation in regional governance,” he added.
