Online Reporter
Good day, welcome to our live coverage 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 is expected to officially open 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.
Vusumuzi Dube, Deputy Radar Editor, Victoria Falls Reporter Rutendo Nyeve and Chief Photographer, Eliah Saushoma will be giving us live updates of proceedings.
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is today expected to officially open the 57th Plenary Assembly of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) here in Victoria Falls.
The forum is being held under the theme: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Effective and Efficient Parliamentary Processes in the SADC Region: Experiences, Challenges and Opportunities.”
Core discussions will centre on Standing Committee Reports and Country Reports, tracking the implementation of past resolutions. Delegates will also deliberate on the proposed SADC Model Law on Prison Oversight, which seeks to enhance oversight of detention systems and promote the protection of human dignity.
The high-level Assembly of Parliamentarians has attracted over 300 delegates comprising Speakers and Members of Parliament, senior staff of the 15 Member Parliaments, regional experts and development partners.
Key delegates from across the SADC region arrived on Sunday ahead of today’s high-level event. Among those received was SADC Deputy Executive Secretary Dr Judith Kateera, welcomed by Deputy President of the Senate, Lieutenant-General (Rtd) Mike Nyambuya.
Other distinguished guests include, Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar and President of SADC PF, Justin Tokely, as well as Speakers and Deputy Speakers from Angola, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mozambique.
The President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), Chief Fortune Charumbira, is also expected to deliver a solidarity address during the session.
This 57th session builds on past engagements, including the 56th Plenary Assembly held in Livingstone, Zambia, in December last year; the Standing Committees sessions held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in April; and the Inaugural Executive Committee Orientation in Windhoek, Namibia, from April 28 to May 1.
Victoria Falls becomes the latest host of this rotating platform for dialogue and regional legislative integration, as the Forum continues to elevate the SADC legislative agenda through collective action
What is the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF)?
The Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) was established in 1997 in accordance with Article 9 (2) of the SADC Treaty as an autonomous institution of SADC It is a regional inter-parliamentary body composed of fifteen (15) parliaments representing over 3500 parliamentarians in the SADC region. These member parliaments are Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The Forum seeks to bring regional experiences to bear at the national level, to promote best practices in the role of parliaments in regional cooperation and integration as outlined in the SADC Treaty and the Forum Constitution. Its main aim is to provide a platform for parliaments and parliamentarians to promote and improve regional integration in the SADC region, through parliamentary involvement.
The objectives of the Forum address a wide range of issues, including but not limited to:
- Promotion of human rights, gender equality, good governance, democracy and transparency;
- Promotion of peace, security and stability;
- Hastening the pace of economic cooperation, development and integration on the basis of equity and mutual benefits;
- Facilitating networking with other inter-parliamentary organizations;
- Promoting the participation of non-governmental organisations, business and intellectual communities in SADC activities;
- Familiarising the peoples of SADC with the aims and objectives of SADC; and
- Informing SADC of the popular views on development and issues affecting the region.
SADC PF 57th plenary assembly kicks off
MORE than 300 delegates have convened in Victoria Falls for the 57th Plenary Assembly of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) which will be officially opened by President Mnangagwa today.
The session is being held under the theme: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation in Enhancing Parliamentary Processes in the SADC Region: Opportunities and Challenges.”
In an interview with Zimpapers on Monday morning, SADC PF Secretary General Ms Boemo Sekgoma said they are delighted to be in Victoria Falls and the session comes at the right time, when systems need to be automated to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
She said the session signals the SADC PF’s intent to embrace digital transformation as a tool for legislative efficieny, institutional transparency, and enhanced civic engagement.
“We have come together to support and represent people of the SADC region. For Zimbabwe and the Government of Zimbabwe, this is the sixth time that they are hosting the regional gathering of members of parliament.
“This particular forum is very important. As you are well aware, we are in an era of artificial intelligence where systems and processes ought to be automated for efficiency and effectiveness. For this reason, we are looking forward to exploring at how parliament can be able to generate efficiency through artificial intelligence,” she said.
Ms Sekgoma is expected to present remarks and credentials of delegates by the SADC PF after which the delegates will receive statements of solidarity from various organs which include SADC Youth Parliament represented by Ms Angela Dube who is also the reigning Miss Albinism Zimbabwe.
Further statements of solidarity will comes from the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), as well as Pan African Parliament to be delivered by the President, Chief Fortune Charumbira.
The Vice Chairperson of the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Mrs Rachel Zulu and the SADC PF President and Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar, Right Honourable Speaker Justin Tokely are also expected to address the forum.
Government urges nation to lead in AI revolution, not just consume
THE Government has called on the nation to actively participate in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution, not just as consumers but as producers of cutting-edge AI technologies.
This was said by the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Tatenda Mavetera, in an interview with Zimpapers on the sidelines of the SADC PF 57th Plenary Assembly Session currently underway in Victoria Falls.
The session is being held under the theme: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Effective and Efficient Parliamentary Processes in the SADC Region: Experiences, Challenges and Opportunities.”
Minister Mavetera highlighted some of the significant strides the country has made in adopting and regulating AI, while urging collaboration and investment in local talent and infrastructure.
“We are happy as the Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services to be invited to this very important conversation on AI. It is upon us, and we utilise it every single day. But what is important is for us to come up with the requisite regulation and policies which speak to what we need to do as a country.”
“What we have done so far is, firstly, we have managed to come up with an AI framework, which is a guiding document on how we are going to develop our strategy,” she said.
Minister Mavetera said they have further come up with an AI readiness assessment document, working together with the ITU and UNESCO.
She said there is a great need for the nation to collaborate with partners and stakeholders in developing an inclusive AI policy that suits the country’s context as a model.
“We realise that it is very important as well to look at our own ethics, cultural norms, and how we can utilise artificial intelligence within this context. We also need to be not only consumers but also producers of AI applications or anything around it. It is important for us as a country to work towards this and develop our own young people, develop talent,” she said.
She said there are certain pillars which the Government is investing in, including digital infrastructure, financing models, and skills development.
“As a country, we need to work on our national data centres, even working towards having our HPC (High-Performance Computing) and the requisite computing capacity to support AI operations. We also need to work on the financing model.”
“It is important for us to work towards this. Furthermore, we should be able to upskill, reskill, and scale up our workforce in the private and public sectors because if we do not adopt AI, we will be left behind as a country,” she said.
She compared the AI revolution to the advent of electricity, calling it a transformative shift.
“We believe that we are in an AI revolution, and as Zimbabwe, we say Zimbabwe is open for business. In the same way, we are going to say Zimbabwe is open for AI,” she said.
President Mnangagwa arrives for SADC Parliamentary Forum assembly
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has arrived at the Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls were he will officially open the 57th Plenary Assembly of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF).
The President was welcomed by the Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda ICT Minister Dr Tatenda Mavetera, Matabeleland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, the SADC PF Secretariat and senior government officials
The forum is being held under the theme: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Effective and Efficient Parliamentary Processes in the SADC Region: Experiences, Challenges and Opportunities.”
The high-level Assembly of Parliamentarians has attracted over 300 delegates comprising Speakers and Members of Parliament, senior staff of the 15 Member Parliaments, regional experts and development partners.
Today’s programme will also see Solidarity statements from various bodies inclusive of the Pan African Parliament that is represented by their president, Senator Chief Fortune Charumbira.
Other speakers include the Southern Africa Youth Parliament represented by Ms Angela Dube, who is the reigning Miss Albinism Zimbabwe, Forum of Parliaments of Member States of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR) represented by the secretary general Dr Deo Mapinga and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) which is being represented by the chairperson, Dr Christopher Kalila.
SADC deputy executive secretary for corporate affairs Dr Judith Kateera and the speaker of the East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) Joseph Ntakirutimana are also expected to make presentations.
Chief Charumbira pays tribute to President Mnangagwa
PRESIDENT of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) Chief Fortune Charumbira has paid tribute to President Mnangagwa for allowing to challenge for the body’s presidency.
Speaking at the 57th Plenary Assembly of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), Chief Charumbira said it was the support that he got from President Mnangagwa, who is also the chairperson of SADC, which made him successful in the quest to become PAP president.
“As I stand here allow me to thank my President as without his support I wouldn’t have got this position. Before I challenged for the position I went to him to request to stand, and he gave the go ahead. Even when things were difficult, I went back to him, and he said he will fix things.
“The President also gave me the speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda to lead my campaign team. Adv Mudenda did an excellent job, fellow speakers even thought it was him campaigning for the position not,” said Chief Charumbira.
” I am president of PAP because I have stood on the shoulders of giants,” he added.
RWPC commends Zimbabwe’s regional leadership in empowering women
THE Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC) has commended Zimbabwe for its significant progress in institutionalising gender equality, describing it as a beacon of inspiration for the SADC region.
Deliverying her solidarity statement at the official opening of the SADC Parliamentary Forum 57th Plenary Assembly Session in Victoria Falls on Monday, Mrs Helen Pushie Manyeneng, Deputy Speaker of Botswana and RWPC member heaped praises on Zimbabwe’s commitment to gender equality, citing the establishment of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and three dedicated Parliamentary Standing Committees on gender equality as exemplary achievements.
“We note with appreciation, Zimbabwe’s advancement in institutionalising gender equality, through the establishment of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and three dedicated Parliamentary Standing Committees on gender equality, of which was rightly celebrated as a regional best practice,” said Mrs Manyeneng.
She said Zimbabwe’s economic initiatives for women, such as the Zimbabwe Women’s Micro-Finance Bank, are transformative steps toward empowering women.
“This has, of course, opened economic pathways for women through various initiatives such as the Zimbabwe Women’s Micro-Finance Bank,” said Mrs Manyeneng.
She said Zimbabwe’s progress was enough evidence that indeed transformational change is indeed reality as it is already unfolding.
Mrs Manyeneng said the RWPC’s mandate to advocate for equal representation of women in politics and decision-making across SADC, aligns with regional and global commitments like the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, the Beijing Declaration, and the Maputo Protocol.
However, she said pledges alone are insufficient.
“We must act now, with clarity and conviction, to close the gap between commitment and change,” she said.
She said the RWPC called for gender-responsive budgeting, robust regional data systems to track progress, and sustained male allyship to dismantle structures of inequality.
The 57th Plenary Assembly Session that runs to June 7 has brought together parliamentarians from across the SADC region to deliberate on critical issues, with embracing Artificial Intelligence taking centre stage.
Embrace AI to drive development: President Mnangagwa
THE Fourth Industrial Revolution, anchored on the increased impact of Artificial Intelligence within, should not only be accepted but various governments must incorporate it in their governance systems to help further economic and technological development.
Speaking at the official opening of the 57th Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum in Victoria Falls yesterday, President Mnangagwa, who is also the SADC chairperson said the fourth industrial revolution was now a reality that had to be accepted.
The forum, which is running up to Saturday, is being held under the theme: “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for effective and efficient Parliamentary processes in the SADC Region: Experiences, Challenges and Opportunities.”
President Mnangagwa said the Fourth Industrial Revolution was characterised by a fusion of emerging technologies, which were is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological sectors.
“Cyber-physical systems have proliferated in all facet s of society and economic activity within Africa and beyond, anchored on Artificial Intelligence and innovation. For SADC Parliaments, the potential benefits of artificial intelligence and innovative technologies are multi-pronged. These offer solutions for resource optimisation, which will in turn enable our Parliament
“Additionally, technology can bridge the gap between parliamentarians and citizens in our geographically dispersed constituencies. This will enable more direct and frequent interaction, thereby improving representation, accountability and involvement of grassroot communities in parliamentary processes,” said President.
He said the rise on the impact of Artificial Intelligence on a global scale comes a time when the strategic vision of SADC emphasises technological cooperation and knowledge sharing, as means to strengthen democratic institutions across the region.
President Mnangagwa said as the Fourth Industrial Revolution transforms the world, it was critically important that all socio-economic sectors accordingly adapt, including parliamentarians.
