Story by ZBC Reporter
THE Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the Strategic Lobbying team for the Transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) into a Regional Parliament, Honourable Advocate Jacob Mudenda witnessed the signing ceremony of the Agreement Amending the SADC Treaty by Botswana’s President Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, marking a significant stride towards regional integration.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Gaborone, Advocate Mudenda said the signature by Botswana gives renewed confidence and impetus to the transformation agenda of the SADC PF.
“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 the course of this meeting but alas happening today courtesy of the President of the Republic of Botswana.
“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 thus gives renewed confidence and impetus to the transformation agenda of the forum,” Advocate Mudenda said.
The signing, facilitated by His Excellency, President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana, holds special significance, as Botswana is at the heart of SADC’s operations, with the SADC Secretariat based in the country.
The move sends a powerful message of renewed confidence and commitment to the ongoing transformation efforts within the SADC region.
Botswana’s involvement solidifies the inclusive nature of the transformation, ensuring that no member state or parliament is left behind as the regional parliamentary framework evolves.
Advocate Mudenda was commended for his unwavering dedication to the transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum into a Regional Parliament.
“The steadfast commitment of Speaker Mudenda has been a beacon, guiding the SADC PF towards greater regional integration,” Speaker of the National Assembly of Botswana, Honourable Dithapelo Lefoko Keorapetse said.
The event underscored the collective commitment of SADC member states to enhance regional cooperation, legislative harmonisation, 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.
