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In a landmark event marking a significant stride towards regional integration, Hon. Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda, Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe and Chairman of the Strategic Lobbying Team for the Transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) into a Regional Parliament, led a distinguished delegation to witness the signing ceremony of the Agreement Amending the SADC Treaty by President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko of the Republic of Botswana.
The ceremony, held at the Office of the President in Gaborone, was attended by several esteemed dignitaries, including:
- Hon. Dithapelo Lefoko Keorapetse, Speaker of the National Assembly of Botswana
- Hon. Thoko Didiza, Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa
- Hon. Moeti Ceasar Mohwasa, Minister for State President
- Hon. Dr. Phenyo Butale, Minister of International Relations
- Hon. Maipelo Mophuthing, Member of Parliament
- Mr Elias M Magosi, Executive Secretary – SADC
- Dr. Gabriel G.G. Malebang, Clerk of the National Assembly of Botswana
In his address, Hon. Speaker Mudenda made this emotive speech:
“Thank you all for attending this landmark signing ceremony. In my capacity as the Chairman of the Strategic Lobbying Team for the Transformation of the SADC PF into a Regional Parliament, I can assert today that the process of transformation has made a huge leap forward by the signature from Botswana that has been earmarked to occur during this meeting but alas happening today courtesy of the President of the Republic of Botswana.”
He said the signature represents a huge leap in many respects, but especially because Botswana is also the seat of the SADC Secretariat which is at the heart of all SADC operations. A signature by Botswana gave renewed confidence and impetus to the transformation agenda of the Forum.
Botswana is also a democracy on the rise and the signature by Botswana demonstrates that the transformation agenda rides on the pedestal of inclusivity and that no Member of Parliament and SADC country should be left out in the process.
Furthermore, Botswana has always been regarded as a key partner to the SADC-PF, and the signature of Botswana will validate the unflinching transformation agenda especially as a lobby Mission was organised last year to the Office of the President to share notes and submit arguments for signature.
“It has harvested the fruits today under your Presidency, Advocate Boko who has been in the transformation trenches together with us in the SADC PF Legal Sub Committee with yours truly.
“I am also pleased to mention that earlier this week, we received correspondence from the National Assembly of Madagascar to the effect that the President of the Republic of Madagascar, His Excellency, Andry Nirina Rajoelina, has also signed the Agreement amending the SADC Treaty. With the signatures of Botswana and Madagascar, this leaves only Mauritius as the only country of the 15 SADC-PF Member countries that is yet to sign the Agreement.
“Your Excellency, Right Honourable Speakers, and Hon. Ministers, we continue to rely on your support to ensure that country-to-country lobbies continue to be engaged to persuade Mauritius to sign the Agreement and complete the loop of SADC-PF Members as we transition together to a SADC Parliament,” Hon Mudenda said
He added that there are still compelling efforts that are required for the transformation agenda to fully mature. The Protocol on the SADC Parliament is already in circulation and the Protocol needs to be both signed and ratified by two-thirds of SADC Member States for transformation to take effect.
Hon Mudenda encouraged all countries, including Botswana, to examine the Protocol and give comments to the SADC Secretariat so that a final version can be presented to the 45th SADC Summit at its next sitting.
Should they miss this deadline, then the next opportunity will probably be the 46th SADC Summit, which will delay matters by a further year. With the momentum gathered so far, especially the breakthrough made with the signature, Hon Mudenda was optimistic that all Member States will transmit comments on the Protocol swiftly so that the process is streamlined and consummated this year.
Once the Protocol is signed and ratified by two-thirds of the SADC Member States, which would constitute 11 States, then the Protocol would be effective from the date of its coming into operation.
Hon Mudenda expressed immense gratitude to the Office of the President for making the signature of Botswana become a true realisation.
During the signing ceremony in Gaborone, Botswana, Hon. Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda received widespread commendation for his unwavering dedication to the transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum into a Regional Parliament. His Excellency, President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, remarked, “Speaker Mudenda’s relentless pursuit and strategic leadership have been instrumental in bringing us to this historic moment.”
Hon. Dithapelo Lefoko Keorapetse, Speaker of the National Assembly of Botswana, also praised Mudenda’s efforts, stating, “The steadfast commitment of Speaker Mudenda has been a beacon, guiding the SADC PF towards greater regional integration.”
These accolades underscore the pivotal role Speaker Mudenda has played in advancing the Regional Parliamentary Transformation Agenda.
The event underscored the collective commitment of SADC member states to enhance regional cooperation, legislative harmonization, and democratic governance. The Transformation of the SADC PF into a Regional Parliament is poised to strengthen multilateralism and promote sustainable development across the Southern African region.
