Yasser Arafat’s legacy: Pan African Parliament offers solidarity with Palestine

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has offered solidarity with the people of Palestine as today (11 November), marks 18 years since the first president of Palestine and chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Yasser Arafat passed away after his home was besieged by Israeli occupation military. In an interview with Spiked Online Media, Chief Fortune…

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Pan African Parliament closes session with tangible resolutions

As the curtain came down to a close for the First Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) today, Hon Chief Fortune Charumbira alluded to a number of tangible and implementable resolutions by the continent’s legislative organ. Hon Charumbira told the media at a press conference today in Midrand, South Africa…

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Nestlé injects US$ 100 000 in Africa Food Prize

By Hillary Munedzi Nestlé in conjunction with Africa Food Prize will award US$ 100 000 to individuals and institutions that are pioneering agricultural and transforming food systems in Africa and strengthening the continent’s food security as rich and emerging economies come together under a “climate solidarity pact to keep the 1.5 degrees celsius within reach.”…

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Chihana offside on Zimbabwe’s land reform: Tatenda Mavetera

Malawi’s Mzimba North West parliamentarian Hon Enoch Chihana, who is a member of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) is again off-tangent regarding Zimbabwe’s land reform programme, Hon Dr. Tatenda Mavetera has said. This emerged today in Midrand, South Africa, the seat of the PAP, during a debate on the Model Law on Food Security and…

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Zimbabwe Sanctions: Pan-African Parliament moots tough retaliatory measures against the West

Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is considering implementing tough retaliatory measures against the West as the continental legislative organ moved a motion to lift the illegal embargo imposed on Zimbabwe. The motion was moved yesterday by Honourable Alhadji Mbow of Gambia, leading to robust debate during the fifth sitting of the first Ordinary session of the sixth…

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Obasanjo rallies Pan African Parliament to exercise power as critical AU organ

Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and African Union (AU) High Representative for the Horn of Africa, H. E. Olusegun Obasanji  has called on the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) to reclaim its power and rightful place as the voice of the African citizens at a time when the continent is dealing with numerous challenges, especially…

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Pan African Parliament adopts motion to congratulate Ethiopia, Tigray peace pact

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has adopted a motion congratulating the Federal Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front for their maturity in choosing peace instead of war and for ensuring that they accept the African-facilitated solution to the African problem. The motion was moved by Hon. Felix Okot Ogong and seconded by Hon….

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PAP working to strengthen protection of rights of migrants

The Pan African Parliament (PAP) is working on legislation to strengthen the protection of the rights of all migrants as an essential element that is at the heart of migration governance. Today, a report on the joint seminar between the Pan-African Parliament (APAP) and the African Union Labour Migration Advisory Committee (AU-LMAC) is being presented…

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PAP, church partnership promotes regional integration and stimulates development

The Pan African Parliament (PAP) recognises the important role that the church plays in addressing conflicts in pursuit of promoting peace and development. Addressing a gathering of thousands of Zion Christian Church (ZCC) members led by Bishop Dr. Nehemiah Mutendi in Rayton, Pretoria in South Africa today, Hon Chief Fortune Charumbira, the President of the…

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PAP Conference: Women demand set parameters for their empowerment

Despite significant progress in terms of gender equality in Africa, more needs to be done to truly empower the continent’s young women. This was one of the key messages on the second day of the 13th Pan-African Parliament’s (PAP) Conference on Women’s Rights held in Midrand, South Africa held under the theme: “Women empowerment and…

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PAP engages stakeholders to craft model law on food and nutrition security

The Pan African Parliament (PAP) is hosting a Technical Consultative Workshop for Experts on the Draft Model Law on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN). The technical consultative workshop is taking place from 05 to 06 November 2022, in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, the seat of the PAP. “The model law shall govern issues related to…

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Address twin challenges of women oppression and poverty: SA Parly Speaker

Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa, Ms. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has called on stakeholders to collaborate to ensure the challenges faced by the continent’s women and girls who have suffered the twin obstacles of oppression and poverty are addressed. She made the remarks today at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Women’s Conference on women’s rights…

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History in the making: PAP amends Rules of Procedure

History was made when a motion on the amendments to the Pan African Parliament’s (PAP) Rules of Procedure was moved, seconded, and adopted in the First Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) held in Midrand. The long-awaited process effectively addresses loopholes and legal ambiguities contained in the Rules of…

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13th PAP Women’s Conference: NEPAD pledges support for gender mainstreaming

The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) has pledged to give its support to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) in advocating women’s empowerment and gender equity and equality. In a statement delivered on her behalf by Mrs. Estherine Fotabong, the Director of Programme Innovation and Planning, Madam Nardos Bekele-Thomas, the Chief Executive Officer of NEPAD during the…

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Unconstitutional governments, irregular political transitions under spotlight at PAP High-level Dialogue

The Pan African Parliament (PAP) is today holding a high-level dialogue to deliberate on the rising phenomenon of unconstitutional changes of government and irregular political transitions on the continent. In his keynote address, Hon Chief Fortune Charumbira, the President of the PAP, said the dialogue is meant to reflect upon, deliberate, exchange ideas, and make…

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Hands on the deck for PAP as Chief Charumbira delivers performance review report

There is a deliberate change in the thrust of the new Bureau of the Pan African Parliament (PAP), from merely activity-based reporting to results-based reporting, Chief Fortune Charumbira, the President of the African union’s legislative organ has said. The President of the Pan-African Parliament made the remarks while delivering a performance review report of the…

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PAP should strengthen democracy and the rule of law: President Ramaphosa

The Pan-African Parliament has an important mandate of contributing to the strengthening of the culture of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law on the continent, HE Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa has said. The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services for South Africa, Mr. Ronald Lamola (MP) on behalf of the…

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High-level panel for Official Opening of PAP’s first Ordinary Session of the sixth Parliament

Signifying the high importance of the Pan African Parliament (PAP), high-level dignitaries will grace the official opening of the continental legislative body’s First Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament. Representing H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, Hon. Ronald Lamola, Minister of Justice and Correctional Services will deliver the keynote address at the official opening ceremony of…

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New PAP members undergo orientation

The Sergeant-at-Arms of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) has given orientation to the August House’s new members about the Parliamentary estate, ceremonies, and security to outline the various facilities and services offered by the unit. The new members are Bernadine Nduwimana from Burundi; Hannaa Benkhiar from Morocco; Sarfina Filipe Franco from Mozambique; Mohamed Jama Mursal, Prof…

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Campaigners call on Zimbabwe to adopt landmark disability law

Zimbabwe is on the cusp of becoming the first Southern African country to ratify the African Disability Protocol (ADP) but action is needed to push it across the finish line. This is why today (October 29), Sightsavers’ Equal World Campaign, in partnership with the African Union and the African Disability Forum, is urging governments and…

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Pan African Parliament working on Model Law on Nationality

The Pan-African Parliament’s (PAP) Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict is gathering further important information and data in preparation for their presentation of the Model Law on Nationality before the Plenary on 1 November 2022. The sixth parliament of PAP is sitting for its first ordinary session in Midrand South Africa from 24 October…

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All set for PAP Women’s Caucus 13th Conference

The Pan-African Parliament’s (PAP) Women’s Caucus will, on November 4 and 5 2022, host the 13th Conference on Women’s Rights under the theme “Women empowerment and inclusion in governance.” The Women Caucus has met to discuss the upcoming conference on the sidelines of the continental Parliament’s First Ordinary session of the Sixth Parliament which kicked off…

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Zimbabwe, Malawi exchange notes on curbing child marriages

By Nhau Mangirazi A Zimbabwe delegation was in Malawi this week exchanging notes on curbing child marriages in a move aimed at empowering female politicians and women in general. The tour was held in Zomba, a five-hour drive from Lilongwe where they conducted a transformative feminist leadership learning and exchange visit in Malawi from 23-…

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African Ambassadors affirm commitment to working with the PAP

Hon Chief Fortune Charumbira, the President of the Pan African Parliament has commended the African Ambassadors based in South Africa for affirming their commitment to working with the continental lawmaking body. In his address during the meeting with the African Ambassadors at the PAP Headquarters in Midrand, Johannesburg today, Hon Charumbira said the collaboration will…

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PAP Southern African Regional Caucus presents recommendations

The Southern African Regional Caucus today presented its recommendations on the amendments of the Pan African Parliament Rules as guided by the Report of the Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Discipline on the Consultative Workshop on the Revision of the Rules of Procedure of the PAP; and Gaps Identified in the Rules of Procedure. After debate…

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PAP joins progressive forces denouncing sanctions against Zimbabwe

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is among the progressive forces denouncing the illegal sanctions imposed on the Republic of Zimbabwe by some western countries. The 25th of October is now known as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Anti-Sanctions Day. In a speech read on his behalf today by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, President Mnangagwa paid…

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PAP needs to clarify the concept of Deliberative Organ

By Dr. Maurice Ezuruike The ongoing review process of the Pan-African Parliament’s (PAP) Rules of Procedure presents a unique opportunity to clarify by definition the true interpretation of the concept of “any other deliberative organ” as reflected in Rule 6 of the PAP’s rules of procedure and invoked generally as a synonym to National Parliaments…

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Mobile tax should fund SRHR: Parliamentary Caucus

By Nhau Mangirazi The Women Parliament Caucus (ZWPC) has recommended the mobilization of resources towards the sexual and reproductive health rights affecting women and girls in most marginalized communities. ZWPC chairperson, Hon Goodluck Kwaramba made the presentation last week during a prebudget seminar saying the proportion of the 5 percent mobile airtime levy, introduced in…

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Chief Charumbira sets motion for PAP Review of Rules of Procedure

Hon Chief Fortune Charumbira, the President of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) has set the ball rolling for the continental parliamentary body’s Bureau and Regional Caucuses to come up with a roadmap for the review of the Rules of Procedure. Chief Charumbira revealed this while officially opening the First Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament…

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Women’s Parliamentary Caucus urges Mthuli Ncube to help on water issues

By Nhau Mangirazi The Zimbabwe Women’s Parliamentary Caucus has urged finance minister Prof Mthuli Ncube to set aside money to improve water and sanitation in mostly rural and marginalized communities. The parliament caucus chairperson, Hon Goodluck Kwaramba made the presentation last week calling on Prof Ncube to consider setting aside funds that will help improve…

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PAP leadership structures convene on eve of first Ordinary Session of sixth Parliament

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Bureau has jointly met with the Bureaus of the Permanent Committees and Regional Caucuses, Women’s Caucus and Youth Caucus ahead of its first Ordinary Session of the sixth Parliament that will hold from October 24 to November 12 2022, to consider the programme of the session. The Session, which will be…

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Pan African Parliament Bureau holds consultations with focal team of African Ambassadors

The Bureau of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) met with selected members of the African Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Republic of South Africa namely Uganda, Egypt, Kenya, Congo Brazzaville, Mali and Zimbabwe. The focal team was set up in September 2022 by the Dean of African Heads of Diplomatic Missions to work closely with the…

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Job Sikhala is my employee: Douglas Mwonzora

Opposition politician Douglas Mwonzora revealed that he visited incarcerated legislator for Zengezi West, Job Sikhala because their relationship transcends politics and professionalism. “I am actually disturbed by social media hullaballoo where uninformed elements tend to question my visit to incarcerated Zengeza West MP, Job Sikhala. First and foremost, Job Sikhala is in Parliament on an…

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Chief Chundu jerks government to address challenge of veld fires

By Nhau Mangirazi Harare – The Zimbabwe government has agreed to take punitive measures to curb veld fires after Chief Chundu raised the issue with information minister Monica Mutsvagwa who promised action to address the major challenge affecting the environment. Chief Abel Mbasera Chundu said this during the Senate sitting under Oral Answers to Questions…

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Deal with GBV perpetrators: Girls Collective

BY Nhau Mangirazi Girls Collective – a civil society coalition fighting for girls’ rights and justice has called on the government to deal with perpetrators of violence against girls. In a statement following the death of Nokutenda Hwaramba (15) who died while giving birth at a shrine in Bikita, the umbrella body says suspects must…

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Go beyond rhetoric in gender mainstreaming: PAP President Charumbira

The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), H.E. Hon. Chief Fortune Charumbira has told global Parliamentarians gathered in Kigali, Rwanda, for the 145th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), to go beyond rhetoric and utilize their budgetary powers to fast-track gender equality and mainstreaming around the world. The leader of the African continental Parliament made the call…

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Death penalty inhuman: Veritas

Veritas, a Non-Governmental Organization has called for the abolishment of the Death Penalty with Zimbabwe having 62 prisoners awaiting capital punishment. Zimbabwe will join other nations in commemorating World Day Against the Death penalty. Observed every 10 October, the World Day Against the Death Penalty unifies the global abolitionist movement and mobilizes civil society, political…

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Zimbabwe’s Electoral Act amendment gets nod

By Elvis Dumba Harare – The government has given a nod to the amendment of the electoral law. The cabinet received and approved the Electoral Amendment Bill 2022 as presented by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi during a cabinet meeting. The bill seeks among other things, to provide a timeframe…

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Cynthia Chigwenya among Zimbabwean youths raising country’s flag at international stage

Zimbabwean Youths are making waves on the continent, taking a centre stage in socio-economic and political affairs. One such youth is Cynthia Chigwenya who doubles as the current African Union’s Ambassador for Southern Africa and a Program Coordinator for Political dialogue for Sub-Saharan Africa at Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. Prior to that position, she was previously a researcher…

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Budget consultations: public urged to provide researched submissions

By Hillary Munedzi Legislators are urging the public to give detailed figures that can be allocated to different ministries by researching the previous budgets before presenting their submissions to Parliament. Speaking during the public hearing on Monday 3 October 2022 in Harare, the Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance, Economic Development and Expanded Committee on Sustainable…

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State Duma of Russia, Parliament of Zimbabwe sign cooperation agreement

An Agreement of Cooperation between the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and the National Assembly of the Parliament of Zimbabwe was signed yesterday.   The Speaker of Parliament of Zimbabwe, Hon Jacob Francis Mudenda is on a Bilateral Visit to Russia and is accompanied by Hon. Webster Shamu, Chairperson of…

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Media urged to take a leading role in fighting corruption

By Baboloki Semele Nairobi, Kenya: The Executive Secretary of the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC), Charity Nchimunya has urged the media to occupy the front lines in the fight against corruption. She made the call on 27 September 2022 in Nairobi, Kenya at a media engagement workshop on supporting the implementation of the…

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Parliament laptops procurement saga: Clerk clears air

There were heated verbal exchanges today at the committee meeting by the Public Accounts Committee that sat to deliberate events that led to the cancellation of a Blinart Investments P/L tender to supply 173 laptops for US$1,602,755.77 to the Parliament of Zimbabwe. If the deal had sailed, Parliament would have parted with US$$9,200 per laptop…

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Junior Parliamentarians propose measures to revive the tourism sector

Junior Parliamentarians today proposed a raft of innovative measures to enhance the contribution of tourism to the economy as the sector is emerging from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. They made the contributions today during the commemoration of World Tourism Month celebrations at the inaugural Debate Session by Junior Parliamentarians organised by the…

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PAP delegation kicks off official visit to the Kingdom of Morocco

Pan-African Parliament (PAP) President, H.E. Hon. Chief Fortune Zephania Charumbira is leading a delegation of the continental Parliament to the Kingdom of Morocco for an official visit at the invitation of the Moroccan Parliament. The visit is taking place from 24 to 27 September 2022. The President of the PAP and his delegation are expected…

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