Story by Margaret Matibiri
THE Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda is in Windhoek, Namibia, attending the Inaugural Orientation and Executive Committee (EXCO) Meeting of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF). His participation signals Zimbabwe’s unwavering support for regional parliamentary cooperation.
As part of the official programme, Speaker Mudenda joined fellow delegates in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Namibia’s Heroes’ Acre, led by SADC PF president Honourable Advocate John Tokely.
The delegation also paid homage to the late Presidents Dr Sam Nujoma and Dr Hage Geingob.
During a courtesy call on Honourable Dr Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Namibia’s first female Speaker of Parliament, delegates reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening parliamentary ties.
They also toured the SADC PF Headquarters, a symbol of Namibia’s dedication to regional legislative development.
In an afternoon roundtable, Speaker Mudenda highlighted Zimbabwe’s strides in climate-smart agriculture through the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, with projections showing significant increases in maize and wheat production for the 2024–2025 season.
He also confirmed that Zimbabwe will host the 57th SADC PF Plenary Assembly and the Ramsar COP15 Conference in Victoria Falls later this year.
He concluded by calling for critical evaluation of the proposed Protocol to transform the Forum into a Regional Parliament and urged the DRC Parliament to settle outstanding subscriptions to maintain full participation in SADC PF affairs.
