Story by ZBC Reporter
THE 55th Plenary Assembly of the Southern African Development Community – Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF), held in Luanda, Angola, has unveiled its Strategic Plan for the years 2024 to 2028.
Zimbabwe’s Speaker of Parliament, Honourable Advocate Jacob Mudenda and esteemed dignitaries who launched the strategic document emphasised capacity-building of National Parliaments on emerging themes such as Gender, Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), Climate Action, Leadership on normative frameworks and fiscal governance of Member Parliaments.
“The Strategic Plan is not merely a document; it is a compass guiding us towards a future where democracy thrives and governance excels,” he said.
Honourable Carolina Cerqueira, Speaker of Angola, also delivered her keynote address emphasising the transformative potential of the Strategic Plan in fortifying democracy within the SADC region.
“Let this Plan be our beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a future where integrity reigns and accountability prevails,” she said.
In response to a question on peace and security within the SADC region, Speaker Mudenda highlighted the interconnectedness of security challenges across Member States.
“If one part of the body suffers pain, every part of the body suffers with it, if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26). To that an extent, in security in one SADC state, will of necessity create collateral insecurity on other sister republics,” he said.
The 55th Plenary Assembly Session will be officially opened by Hon. Roger Manciene, President of SADC PF this Tuesday.
