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The collaboration between Oxfam and the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) is both strategic and central to their regional programming because the challenges that the Southern African region is facing require concerted efforts by all parties.
These were remarks by Mr. Machinda Marongwe, the Oxfam in Southern Africa Programme Director during the signing ceremony for memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between Southern Africa Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) and partner organizations in Victoria Falls on Saturday 7 June 2025.
Mr Marongwe said by working together, the two institutions would achieve more as opposed to working in silos and such strategic partnerships would allow them to scale up their impact.
“This signing ceremony, not only with Oxfam but with four other organizations is a testament to that. Congratulations to all parties for this milestone. We must now work to translate the commitments contained in these MoUs into practical tangible deliverables through finalizing joint action plans with supporting budgetary commitments,” Mr Marongwe said.
The work of Oxfam spans more than 60 countries where it collaborates with communities, youth and women-led movements, and local partners to respond to humanitarian crises, promote economic and social justice, and champion gender equality. Oxfam is committed to transformative change that centres on the voices and rights of vulnerable populations, particularly women and youth.
Oxfam has for decades partnered with local civil society organizations, movements, and like-minded institutions and the results have always been greater and remarkable.
“Today, therefore, marks another historic moment in our partnership journey as we officially sign the MOU with the SADC Parliamentary Forum. The formalization of our cooperation builds on several years of joint work between our respective organisations on poverty and inequality reduction, extractives, just energy transition, and gender justice among others.
“Oxfam is ready to kick-start discussions on operationalizing the MOU with the SADC Parliamentary Forum. Through this MOU, we shall deepen our work through the joint plan of action across mutually agreed priorities. I stand here on behalf of Oxfam to pledge our continued support to advance prosperity for our people and a future that is equal for all,” Mr Marongwe added.
In attendance were various dignitaries who appended their signatures to the MOUs. The Southern Africa Development Community Parliamentary Forum was represented by Secretary General, Her Excellency Boemo Sekgoma.
The Commission of Election Commissions Forum (ECF) of SADC Countries of the Independent Electoral Commission South Africa had its Executive Committee Chairperson, Mr. Glen Mashinini who put ink on paper on behalf of his institution.
The Southern Africa Youth Forum Regional Coordinator, Mr. Misheck Gondo; the Executive Director of the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association, Mr. Mutuso Dhliwayo; the Executive Director of the Center for Trade Policy and Development, Mr. Isaac Mwaipopo; the Interim Executive Director of Oxfam South Africa, Ms Nkateko Chauke; and the Country Director of Oxfam in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were also in attendance.
