LIVE: 57th Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum

Good day, welcome to our live coverage of day two of the 57th Plenary Assembly of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) in Victoria Falls.

President Mnangagwa, who is the SADC chair on Monday officially opened the forum, being held under the theme: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Effective and Efficient Parliamentary Processes in the SADC Region: Experiences, Challenges and Opportunities.”

The theme underlines the Forum’s commitment to embracing digital transformation to strengthen legislative efficiency, promote institutional transparency, and bolster civic engagement across the region.

Victoria Falls Reporter Rutendo Nyeve and Chief Photographer, Eliah Saushoma will be giving us live updates of proceedings.

 

Minister Mavetera urges SADC parliaments to invest in AI Research

THE Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera has called on SADC parliaments to take a proactive role in regulating, legitimising and ensure there is adequate funding for Artificial Intelligence (AI) so as to align with regional development goals and ethical standards.

Speaking during a Zoom meeting at the 57th Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Minister Mavetera said there is need for legislative oversight to harness AI’s potential while mitigating risks.

“AI will not replace humans, but those who use AI will replace those who do not,” Minister Mavetera quoted former IBM CEO Ginni Rometty, underscoring the urgency for SADC nations to adopt a unified approach to AI governance.

She urged parliaments to legislate foundational laws, approve treaties, oversee implementation and protect citizens by finalising a model AI law, establishing a committee on AI Ethics, and mandating annual AI capacity readiness reports to Parliament.
“We also need to consider your critical role of funding and I would urge SADC parliaments to approve national budgets for AI and create a Parliamentary AI Audit office to track fund efficiency and mandate skills audits,” she said.

Minister Mavetera advocated for a SADC PF declaration on parliamentary appropriation of a fixed minimum percentage of the ICT budget for AI, ensuring sustained investment in AI research, infrastructure, and skills development.

Minister warned against over-reliance on foreign AI systems, highlighting Speaker of Parliament Advocate Mudenda, who cautioned that such dependence could reinforce existing inequalities and compromise national sovereignty.

“To counter this, I propose a SADC AI Governance Council co-chaired by rotating ministers and speakers to coordinate regulations and monitor threats,” she said.

Minister Mavetera urged executives to pool data and resources while parliaments legitimise data sharing and allocate budgets.

“SADC unity is our force multiplier and we should harmonise policies, pooled research resources and ethical AI prioritisation,” she said.

SADC PF salutes Zimbabwe for pioneering regional development, as regional body charts progressive path

THE SADC PF has commended Zimbabwe for its leadership in regional economic development and democratic governance that has played a pivotal role in shaping Southern Africa’s future.

Speaking at the 57th Plenary Assembly Session currently underway in Victoria Falls, the SADC PF President and Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar, Justin Tokely described Zimbabwe as a trailblazer in modern agriculture, mining, and industrial diversification, reinforcing its resilience and competitiveness on the global stage.

“We are indeed fortunate to be in Zimbabwe, a country which is pioneering in modern agriculture, mining, and other emerging industries. As you may be aware, the Republic of Zimbabwe is world-renowned for its export diversification policy and the zeal of its workforce, which makes the country both competitive and resilient on the world stage,” he said.

Mr Tokely highlighted Zimbabwe’s historical significance in advancing regional democracy, recalling its foundational role in establishing the SADC PF in 1997.

“Zimbabwe has been a fervent proponent of regional democracy. Being here today feels more like a return to the very origins of the parliamentary resolve that gave birth to our organisation. This is in itself a reaffirmation of the foundational vision, values, and collective will that shaped our existence,” said Mr Tokely.

Meanwhile, Mr Tokely has outlined the Forum’s growing influence in shaping legal standards, fostering democratic accountability, and enhancing inter-parliamentary cooperation.

“In the past few years, this august Plenary Assembly has been the hallmark of constructive resolutions which have assisted in heightening inter-parliamentary cooperation and diplomacy

“The Forum is increasingly positioning itself as a prominent leader in normative legal standards, promoting a culture of democracy and accountability across Southern Africa,” he said.

He noted that the SADC PF has evolved into a vibrant inter-parliamentary body, amplifying democratic values beyond the region.

He said key initiatives such as virtual public hearings conducted by Standing Committees have strengthened citizen engagement on critical issues, including public health, gender equality and fiscal governance.

“This direct engagement with citizens constitutes the pinnacle of participatory democracy, whilst the Forum aspires to bridge the gap between MPs and citizens in between election cycles,” he said.

He reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to institutional excellence, detailing robust internal governance mechanisms, including anti-corruption policies, risk management frameworks and capacity-building programs for parliamentarians and staff.

“These internal arrangements, as well as external goals, render the Forum as a credible inter-parliamentary body vested with transparency and long-term sustainability,” he said.

Looking ahead, the SADC PF remains resolute in driving democratisation and socio-economic transformation, with the 57th Assembly set to deliberate on forward-looking motions aimed at preparing regional parliaments for future challenges.

Mr Tokely further called for unity and sustained progress.

“Our resolve as a region stands tall and allows us to continue spearheading democratisation through the motions of this august Assembly.
“This clearly demonstrates the Forum’s vision to be forward-looking and to prepare parliaments to embrace the future,” he said.