SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF)’s former secretary-general, Esau Chiviya, has died.
Chiviya, a Zimbabwean who served at the helm of the regional inter-parliamentary body, died in Windhoek, Namibia, on Monday.
In a statement, the SADC PF said his body will be repatriated to Zimbabwe for burial on a date yet-to-be advised.
In a condolence message, Roger Mancienne, president of the SADC PF and Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, described Chiviya as a remarkable professional who served the inter-parliamentary body with unparalleled dedication and distinction.
- Women’s caucus seeks inclusive governance
- Sadc PF committee meets over spike in electoral risks
- SADC PF President speaks on terrorism and prevention of violent extremism
- Former SADC PF secretary-general Chiviya dies
Keep Reading
Chiviya served as secretary-general of the SADC PF from August 2009 to June 2019.
“Throughout his tenure, Dr. Chiviya demonstrated an unwavering commitment to parliamentary excellence and made significant contributions to parliamentary democracy, including overseeing the development and adoption of Benchmarks for Democratic Legislatures in Southern Africa. His work left an indelible mark on national Parliaments across the SADC region,”Mancienne added.
SADC PF current secretary-general Boemo Sekgoma said Chiviya will be remembered for his contribution towards building the capacity of national parliaments and Members of Parliaments to respond to current and emerging issues as well as in strengthening the role of parliaments in election observation.
“Dr. Chiviya was a dedicated and respected professional who served the SADC PF with distinction. His contributions to the Forum and the SADC region's parliamentary community are etched in the annals of history and will be remembered with great respect and admiration,” she said in a statement.
Namibia’s Speaker of the National Assembly, Peter Katjavivi on Tuesday led his parliament in observing a minute of silence in memory of Chiviya.
He said: “Dr Chiviya was a dedicated professional who contributed immensely to the promotion of the SADC Parliamentary Forum. He greatly assisted the vision for the transformation of the Forum into a regional parliament. I have duly conveyed condolences on behalf of the National Assembly to his wife and the family. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
