THE Speaker of the Parliament of Zambia, Nelly Butete Kashumba Mutti, says her country is ready to host the 56th plenary assembly session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum from December 8 to 15, 2024.
Mutti gave the assurance over the weekend in a report to the executive committee of the SADC PF which met in Cape Town, South Africa. The theme for the 56th SADC PF plenary is, “Leveraging Technology and Innovation for Smart, Inclusive and Responsive Parliaments in the SADC Region.”
Speaking via Zoom, Mutti detailed extensive preparations and arrangements put in place for the plenary that will take place in Livingstone, Zambia.
She said in addition to the physical gathering, which welcomes delegates from across the region, provisions have been made for virtual attendance through the Zoom platform to ensure inclusivity.
“We are committed to ensuring that this Plenary Assembly runs smoothly and effectively,” said Mutti. “Already, we have sent out invitation letters to all Member Parliaments, and I am pleased to report that seven nations have confirmed their participation.”
She said among the countries that had already confirmed physical participation are Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. She also confirmed that the President of the Republic of Zambia would officially open the plenary assembly.
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Efforts to facilitate smooth entry for delegates have been prioritised, with arrangements for on-arrival visas at Livingstone’s Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport for delegates from countries that require them.
To ensure the health and safety of all attendees, first aid services and trained health personnel will be stationed at authorised hotels and the plenary venue. The University Teaching Hospitals in Livingstone will also provide ambulance services throughout the plenary.
“However, the cost of high-cost in-patient care will be borne by the participants, who should thus have organised international health insurance. It is recommended that people on special medical treatment bring sufficient medical supplies,” she said.
Mutti said a special networking dinner was slated for December 12, focusing on the participation of women in political leadership.
“The Indaba is expected to provide all female Members with a platform to openly discuss and reflect on how we can reduce the barriers in political spheres and create a supportive framework for all women in politics,” she stated emphasizing that a team was already on the ground addressing various logistical needs, including transport, security, meals, press coverage, and excursions.
SADC PF president and Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, Roger Mancienne, thanked Mutti and her team “for taking so much care in preparing for our Plenary Assembly.”
He added, “We look forward to being in the great country of Zambia and to join our colleagues of the National Assembly of Zambia to deliberate on the business of the SADC PF when we get there.”
The Speaker of the Parliament of Zimbabwe, Advocate Jacob Francis Nzwidamilimo Mudenda urged SADC PF member parliaments that were yet to confirm their physical participation in the 56th plenary to do so expeditiously to enable the host parliament to finalise preparations.
The Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia, Professor Peter Katjavivi, told the executive committee meeting that going back to Livingstone would be an emotional phenomenon after he crossed into Zambia “many years ago to go into exile” as Namibia fought for independence.
Shally Josepha Raymond thanked Mutti for planning “a special day” for the region’s female Speakers and MPs in line with quests for access and inclusivity. She said the planned meeting of female politicians was a welcome intervention which, she hoped, would provide a platform to critically consider a range of issues including access to information technology for female MPs within and without parliament.
The Speaker of the Parliament of South Africa, Angela Thokozile Didiza, also thanked Mutti and the SADC PF secretariat led by secretary-general Boemo Sekgoma for the preparations, “particularly the timely communication of the logistics which has enabled us to plan ahead.”
The plenary assembly is the apex decision-making body of the SADC PF. It meets twice a year. In July, the National Assembly of Angola hosted the 55th plenary in Luanda.