Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) has commended Zimbabwe’s leadership in driving regional economic growth and democratic governance, describing the country as a trailblazer in modern agriculture, mining, and industrial transformation.
Speaking at the 57th Plenary Assembly Session, which opened in Victoria Falls earlier this week, the SADC PF president and Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar, Justin Tokely, said Zimbabwe has continued to reinforce its resilience and competitiveness on the global stage.
“We are indeed fortunate to be in Zimbabwe, a country that 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 noted that Zimbabwe’s role in the SADC PF dates back to its founding in 1997 when it joined hands with fellow member states to lay the foundation for an inter-parliamentary platform that promotes democracy, human rights, and regional integration.
“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,” he said.
Now in its 57th session, the Plenary Assembly continues to be the highest decision-making body of the Forum, bringing together Speakers and legislators from the 16 SADC Member States to deliberate on pressing regional issues.
Mr Tokely outlined the Forum’s evolving mandate and growing stature as a driver of legal reforms, democratic accountability, and inter-parliamentary diplomacy.
“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,” he said.
Mr Tokely highlighted the innovative approaches the Forum is employing to engage citizens, such as virtual public hearings conducted by Standing Committees on issues like public health, gender equality, and fiscal transparency.
“This direct engagement with citizens constitutes the pinnacle of participatory democracy. It helps bridge the gap between MPs and the electorate between election cycles.
“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.
Mr Tokely reaffirmed SADC PF’s commitment to institutional excellence, stating that this commitment includes the adoption of anti-corruption policies, risk management systems, and capacity-building programmes for both parliamentarians and staff.
“These internal governance arrangements, along with our external strategic goals, render the Forum a credible and transparent inter-parliamentary body with long-term sustainability.”
The 57th Plenary Assembly comes at a time when the region faces complex dynamics such as economic recovery from Covid-19, youth unemployment, and climate change. —@nyeve14
