The Speaker of the National Assembly Ms. Baleka Mbete is hosting a high-powered delegation of Speakers from Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states. The delegation is currently briefing President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria on efforts to establish a SADC Parliament.

The delegation of Speakers includes the President of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), Dr. Fernando dos Santos of Angola who is leading the delegation, Professor Peter Katjavivi of Namibia, Justice Dr. Patrick Matibini of Zambia, as well as the Acting Secretary of SADC PF Ms. Boemo M Sekgoma Angolan. The Speakers supported by the Ambassadors of their respective countries met to caucus at the Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria today.

The engagement of the Speakers is part of a lobbying campaign aimed at soliciting overwhelming support for the establishment of a SADC Parliament to replace the SADC Parliamentary Forum. The Speakers delegation has been meeting Heads of State and Government.

Issued by Parliament of South Africa