By Neo Kolane
The Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) will from October 11 to 18, 2023 hold virtual public hearing sessions for its standing committees.
The sessions will be held under the theme: “Amplifying Citizens’ Voices in Regional Integration in Southern Africa: Bridging the Engagement Gap by bringing Parliament to the People.”
The hearings will cover a range of topics aligned with the key focus areas of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Plan 2020-2030, Africa Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.
According to a recent statement from the Lesotho parliament, the objectives of the sessions are to uphold the fundamental principles of democracy by creating a platform for citizens to freely express their views.
The hearings will allow the SADC PF standing committee to collect submissions and feedback from citizens, stakeholders and experts regarding thematic issues and policies.
The Parliamentary Forum plays a vital role in facilitating regional cooperation, integration, and development within the SADC region.
Legislators, civil society organisations, academics, experts, community leaders, private sector representatives, regional and international organisations, media, development partners, as well as the general citizenry are expected to take part in the sessions.
