Online Reporter
Moses Magadza
The Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum is mourning the death of one of its long‑serving researchers, Dr Jabulile Malaza, who passed away last Saturday.
Dr Malaza was Director of Research and SADC PF Desk Officer for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) at the Parliament of the Kingdom of Eswatini. Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from colleagues across the region, who have remembered her as a visionary leader, a dedicated professional and a compassionate colleague whose work significantly strengthened parliamentary cooperation and capacity development in Southern Africa.
Announcing the passing on Monday, SADC PF Secretary General Ms Boemo Sekgoma expressed deep sorrow at the loss of a respected member of the SADC PF family.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dr Jabulile Malaza. May she rest in glory. May you all find comfort in the memories shared,” said Ms Sekgoma.
Dr Malaza brought more than 20 years of distinguished experience in education, governance, research and regional development to her role at the Parliament of Eswatini. As Director of Research and SADC PF Desk Officer, she worked at the intersection of policy, research and advocacy, engaging with United Nations agencies, civil society organisations, government ministries, parliamentarians, traditional leaders and regional institutions to advance inclusive governance and sustainable development in line with continental priorities.
Her career was marked by a profound commitment to institution‑building, evidence‑based policymaking and the empowerment of communities through knowledge and mentorship.
Before joining the parliamentary sector, Dr Malaza spent over 13 years in secondary education, serving as Head of the Environmental Science and Planning Department at Manzini Nazarene High School, and later as Deputy Principal at St Michael’s High School for Girls. During this period, she championed curriculum innovation, environmental stewardship, career guidance and the integration of information and communication technologies in teaching and learning.
She later expanded her leadership into teacher education and institutional development, serving as a Lecturer and Head of Department at Ngwane Teacher Training College, and subsequently as a Training and Research Consultant at the Mananga International Institute of Development and Management Training.
Her work included the development of strategic institutional plans, facilitation of professional development programmes for educators and strengthening partnerships among educational institutions, communities and development partners.
At the regional level, Dr Malaza made significant contributions to parliamentary capacity development during her tenure as Capacity Development and Curriculum Development Officer at the SADC Parliamentary Forum. In this role, she led training and orientation programmes for parliamentarians across several SADC member states, contributing to the strengthening of parliamentary systems, procedures and the establishment of standing committees — thereby enhancing legislative effectiveness and regional cooperation.
Colleagues also highlighted her contributions to higher education and research, including her role as a Research Supervisor at Monash South Africa, where she mentored postgraduate students and promoted collaboration between academia, industry and government.
Renowned for her expertise in policy analysis, strategic leadership and advocacy, Dr Malaza was widely respected for her work advancing gender equality, youth empowerment, climate action, human rights, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Her legacy, colleagues say, will endure through the institutions she strengthened, the leaders she mentored and the regional integration efforts she so passionately supported.
