Story by ZBC Reporter
THE 58th Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum opened in Durban on Sunday, bringing renewed regional focus to the deepening climate crisis and its disproportionate impact on women and youth.
Convened under the theme “The Impact of Climate Change on Women and Youth in the SADC Region and the Role of Parliaments in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation,” the session drew delegates from across the region for an action-oriented engagement on climate resilience.
Addressing the opening ceremony virtually, South Africa’s Acting President, Honourable Paul Mashatile, cautioned that climate change “is no longer a distant possibility but an unrelenting lived reality,” one reshaping economies, destroying livelihoods and widening regional inequalities. He called on parliamentarians to strengthen gender-sensitive policy frameworks and ensure robust oversight mechanisms.
“As we implement these transformative reforms, we must strengthen oversight and accountability. This work will entail Parliaments holding Governments accountable for their performance in implementing domestic climate laws, regional commitments and international obligations,” he said.
Speakers from host institutions amplified these concerns. KwaZulu-Natal Legislature Speaker Hon. Nontembeko Boyce warned that the region is already confronting the “lived stress and impact of climate change,” noting the province’s recent destructive floods. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Mr Thami Ntuli underscored the need for collective regional action, while SADC PF Secretary-General, Her Excellency Boemo Sekgoma, stressed that “the climate crisis is no longer an approaching threat; it is a daily reality,” urging parliaments to respond “with urgency, innovation and courage.”
Introducing the Guest of Honour, Host Speaker Honourable Thoko Didiza emphasised that “the climate crisis is fundamentally a crisis of inequality,” urging legislators to pursue “active, intentional and transformative intervention.”
Zimbabwe is represented by a delegation led by Honourable Maybe Mbohwa, joined by Honourable Chinheza Chigwadzara (Chief Matsiwo), Honourable Tendai Nyabani, Honourable Mercy Mugomo and Honourable Lynette Karenyi. The discussions align closely with Zimbabwe’s extensive nationwide consultations on the forthcoming Climate Change Management Bill.
Reflecting on Zimbabwe’s position, Honourable Mbohwa said:
“Zimbabwe arrives in Durban with the full weight of our people’s voices behind us. Our mandate as Parliamentarians is clear, we must translate this lived reality into decisive, inclusive and forward-looking climate legislation.”
The Plenary Assembly continues this week, with deliberations expected to shape a coordinated regional framework for climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience.
