Africa / World – Windhoek Observer

16 Dec

Child Marriage in the SADC Region: A Persistent Human Rights Crisis

ObserverAfrica / World, Featured

Sally Ncube and Moses Magadza Child marriage remains a pressing human rights issue globally, with alarming rates and low progress toward addressing the crisis persisting in regions such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Although there has been a global decline in child marriage, progress is insufficient to meet the Sustainable Development Goal target of eliminating it by 2030. At the current rate, it will take 300 years to eradicate child marriage entirely, according to the latest research from UNICEF. The SADC’s statistics are stark, with almost 40% of children married before 18 years in at least five…

06 Nov

SADC PF workshop seeks better monitoring and domestication of child marriage Mode Law

ObserverAfrica / World

Moses Magadza A workshop aimed at enhancing the monitoring and evaluation framework for the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage got underway in Johannesburg, South Africa. The SADC Parliamentary Forum partnered with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Plan International, Hivos, Girls Not Brides and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to convene the workshop that drew members of the Regional Parliamentary Model Laws Oversight Committee (RPMLOC) of the SADC PF and technical partners. The workshop follows the recent launch of the SADC PF’s Strategic Plan (2024-2028), which seeks, inter alia, to promote robust democracy,…

30 Oct

SADC PF hearing spotlights women’s leadership in climate change

ObserverAfrica / World

Moses Magadza The Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC) of the SADC Parliamentary Forum recently held a virtual statutory meeting and public hearing, focusing on enhancing women’s leadership roles in climate change and disaster risk management. The meeting, chaired by Shally Josepha Raymond of Tanzania, also addressed key barriers to women’s political participation and discussed strategies for gender-responsive budgeting within national and regional development plans. Additionally, it addressed barriers to women’s political participation and strategies to strengthen regional cooperation in tackling gender inequality. The public hearing highlighted necessary policy reforms aimed at economically empowering women in rural and informal sectors, ensuring…

30 Oct

SADC PF SG calls for participation in Botswana elections

ObserverAfrica / World

Moses Magadza As Batswana started voting on Wednesday , the secretary general of the SADC PF, Boemo Sekgoma, issued a message encouraging active participation in the electoral process. “Dear Batswana, as you vote today, I extend my warm wishes on behalf of the SADC PF,” wrote Sekgoma. “This year’s elections represent yet another milestone in Botswana's long established democratic tradition, which began with the first election under universal suffrage in 1965,” she said. Sekgoma underscored the role of voter participation. “Your participation in the voting process today is crucial as it demonstrates your unwavering commitment to democratic principles and is…

29 Oct

SADC PF hearing discusses food security and climate finance mobilisation

ObserverAfrica / World

Moses Magadza A public hearing convened by the SADC Parliamentary Forum’s Standing Committee on Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Climate Action (FANRCA) on 18 October received presentations from different organisations within the SADC region and beyond. Namibian lawmaker Phillipus Katamelo chaired the meeting, which was held virtually, under the theme: “Leveraging the Role of SADC Parliamentary Forum in Facilitating Citizen Participation in SADC Regional Integration for Enhanced Accountability and Inclusive Socio-Economic Development and Cohesion.” Rachel Mundilo manages the Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Climate Action (FANRCA) Program at SADC PF and serves as secretary for its Standing Committee. She said…

10 Oct

SADC Parliamentary Forum calls for inclusive policies to empower girls

ObserverAfrica / World, FeaturedInternational Day of the Girl Child

Moses Magadza As the world commemorates the International Day of the Girl Child on 11 October the Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Boemo Sekgoma, has called for inclusive policies that empower young girls and women across the African continent. Noting the UN theme for this year, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” the secretary general urged Member Parliaments and governments to ensure that the voices of girls are heard in decision-making processes. “It is imperative that girl children in Africa are not only heard but are active planners and visionaries of their own futures,” Sekgoma stated in a statement…

30 Sep

SADC PF SG calls for collaboration to advance SRHR and democratic governance

ObserverAfrica / World

Moses Magadza A regional capacity development workshop focusing on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR),HIV and AIDS began in Johannesburg on Monday, with the secretary general of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Boemo Sekgoma, calling for collaboration among regional parliaments, civil society organisations, and educational institutions to effectively implement key initiatives for democratic governance and health rights. Officially opening the workshop, she explained that the capacity development session was meant to enhance the appreciation of all parliaments that have signed the agreement to implement the three-year SIDA-funded SRHR and HIV and AIDS and Governance Project. Sekgoma highlighted the role that various…

29 Sep

SADC PF convenes retreat to strengthen budgetary practices for SRHR advocacy

ObserverAfrica / WorldSADC Parliamentary

Moses Magadza The SADC Parliamentary Forum's SIDA-funded Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), HIV, and AIDS Governance Project has convened a budget analysis retreat for researchers and staff of national parliaments to strengthen budgetary practices for SRHR advocacy. The retreat began in Johannesburg on September 28 with the secretary general of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Boemo Sekgoma, underscoring the need for rigorous budget planning in SRHR. “Without a budget, nothing can be achieved,” Sekgoma said when she officially opened the retreat, highlighting the role financial resources play in implementing essential health initiatives. She highlighted the interconnectedness of budget allocations…

16 Sep

SADC PF President advocates for transformative education at Pan African Parliament

ObserverAfrica / WorldContinental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA), Roger Mancienne

Moses Magadza The President of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Roger Mancienne, has underlined the urgent need for educational reform across the continent, advocating for a comprehensive strategy to build resilient education systems that cater to all Africans in the 21st century. Mancienne, who is also the speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, made the call on Monday when he addressed a sitting of the Pan African Parliament Committee virtually. “We must recognize the pivotal role that quality and relevant learning play in shaping a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future,” Mancienne said during a session themed “Educate an African Fit…

11 Jul

DRC signs Agreement to amend Treaty towards SADC Parliament

ObserverAfrica / World

Moses Magadza On Thursday, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) signed the Agreement to Amend the SADC Treaty, establishing the SADC Parliamentary Forum to set up a SADC Parliament. The President of the DRC, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, delegated Kalala Mayiba Constantin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the DRC to Angola, to sign the agreement at the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana. The DRC became the 12th SADC Member State to sign, reaching the required 12 of the 16 SADC Member States. According to SADC PF Secretary General, Boemo Sekgoma, the work to finalise the Protocol on the SADC Parliament, which…