SADC Parliamentary Forum

On this World Autism Awareness Day, the SADC Parliamentary Forum through Secretary General Ms Boemo Sekgoma, joins the global community in reaffirming the dignity, rights and potential of persons living with autism. This annual observance reminds us of the importance of fostering inclusive societies where every child and adult, regardless of ability, can learn, participate and thrive. While themes for the Day evolve over time, the central message remains clear: greater understanding, acceptance and support for persons with autism must become a shared responsibility of all and sundry. We therefore call upon: Honourable Members of Parliament to champion inclusive laws, policies and budgets that expand access to early diagnosis, education and support services for persons with autism and their families. Parents and caregivers to continue seeking knowledge, support and early intervention, knowing that autism is not a limitation on potential but a call for tailored care and patience. Teachers and education authorities to create learning environments that recognise diverse abilities, promote empathy among learners and equip educators with the skills needed to support children on the autism spectrum. As a Forum committed to human dignity and social justice, we reaffirm our resolve to promote awareness, reduce stigma and ensure that no child or family is left behind because of autism. Together, let us build communities of understanding, compassion and action. #SADCPF #InclusiveEducation

On this World Autism Awareness Day, the SADC Parliamentary Forum through Secretary General Ms Boemo Sekgoma, joins the global community in reaffirming the dignity, rights and potential of persons living with autism. This annual observance reminds us of the importance of fostering inclusive societies where every child and adult, regardless of ability, can learn, participate and thrive. While themes for the Day evolve over time, the central message remains clear: greater understanding, acceptance and support for persons with autism must become a shared responsibility of all and sundry. We therefore call upon: Honourable Members of Parliament to champion inclusive laws, policies and budgets that expand access to early diagnosis, education and support services for persons with autism and their families. Parents and caregivers to continue seeking knowledge, support and early intervention, knowing that autism is not a limitation on potential but a call for tailored care and patience. Teachers and education authorities to create learning environments that recognise diverse abilities, promote empathy among learners and equip educators with the skills needed to support children on the autism spectrum. As a Forum committed to human dignity and social justice, we reaffirm our resolve to promote awareness, reduce stigma and ensure that no child or family is left behind because of autism. Together, let us build communities of understanding, compassion and action. #SADCPF #InclusiveEducation

SADC Parliamentary Forum Invites Experts to Join Technical Working Group on Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law The SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) invites partners and experts to join the Technical Working Group (TWG) supporting the development of the SADC Model Law on Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law (SMLCRL). This important regional initiative seeks to strengthen democratic governance across SADC Member States by promoting: Constitutional supremacy Separation of powers Judicial independence Accountability and transparency Human rights protection The rule of law Who Should Apply We welcome expressions of interest from institutions and experts working in: Constitutional law and legislative drafting Judiciary and legal practice Parliaments and governance institutions Human rights institutions Academia and research institutions Civil society organisations Women and youth organisations Regional and international cooperating partners Role of the Technical Working Group Members of the TWG will: Contribute technical expertise Review draft provisions Support the development of a high-quality regional normative instrument Advance constitutional governance and legal harmonisation Participation is voluntary, and institutions may nominate up to two experts. How to Apply 👉 Online Nomination Form: forms.gle/hYcgNPMdML5Mps… For enquiries: 📩 skurasha@sadcppf.org 📌 CC: pkanguatjivi@sadcpf.org Timeline 🗓 March – November 2026 Call to Collaborate SADC PF looks forward to collaborating with partners committed to strengthening constitutionalism, democratic governance, and the rule of law in the SADC region.

Le Forum parlementaire de la SADC invite des experts à rejoindre le Groupe de travail technique sur le constitutionnalisme et l’État de droit Le SADC Parliamentary Forum (FP-SADC) invite les partenaires et experts à rejoindre le Groupe de travail technique (GTT) chargé de soutenir l’élaboration de la Loi-type de la SADC sur le constitutionnalisme et l’État de droit (SMLCRL). Cette initiative régionale vise à renforcer la gouvernance démocratique dans les États membres de la SADC en promouvant : La suprématie constitutionnelle La séparation des pouvoirs L’indépendance du pouvoir judiciaire La transparence et la responsabilité La protection des droits humains L’État de droit Qui peut postuler Les manifestations d’intérêt sont encouragées de la part d’institutions et d’experts œuvrant dans les domaines suivants : Droit constitutionnel et rédaction législative Système judiciaire et pratique juridique Parlements et institutions de gouvernance Institutions des droits de l’homme Universités et instituts de recherche Organisations de la société civile Organisations de femmes et de jeunes Partenaires de coopération régionaux et internationaux Rôle du Groupe de travail technique Les membres du GTT vont : Apporter une expertise technique Examiner les projets de texte Soutenir l’élaboration d’un instrument normatif régional de haute qualité Renforcer la gouvernance constitutionnelle et l’harmonisation juridique La participation est volontaire, et les institutions peuvent désigner jusqu’à deux experts. Comment postuler 👉 Formulaire de nomination en ligne : forms.gle/hYcgNPMdML5Mps… Pour toute information : 📩 skurasha@sadcppf.org 📌 Copie : pkanguatjivi@sadcpf.org Calendrier 🗓 Mars – Novembre 2026 Appel à collaboration Le FP-SADC se réjouit de collaborer avec des partenaires engagés dans le renforcement du constitutionnalisme, de la gouvernance démocratique et de l’État de droit dans la région de la SADC.

O Fórum Parlamentar da SADC convida especialistas a integrarem o Grupo de Trabalho Técnico sobre o Constitucionalismo e o Estado de Direito O SADC Parliamentary Forum (FP-SADC) convida parceiros e especialistas a integrarem o Grupo de Trabalho Técnico (GTT) que apoiará a elaboração da Lei-Modelo da SADC sobre o Constitucionalismo e o Estado de Direito (SMLCRL). Esta iniciativa regional visa reforçar a governação democrática nos Estados-membros da SADC, promovendo: A primazia da Constituição A separação de poderes A independência do poder judicial A transparência e a responsabilização A proteção dos direitos humanos O Estado de Direito Quem pode candidatar-se São convidados a manifestar interesse instituições e especialistas com experiência nas seguintes áreas: Direito constitucional e redação legislativa Sistema judicial e prática jurídica Parlamentos e instituições de governação Instituições de direitos humanos Universidades e centros de investigação Organizações da sociedade civil Organizações de mulheres e jovens Parceiros de cooperação regionais e internacionais Função do Grupo de Trabalho Técnico Os membros do GTT irão: Contribuir com conhecimentos especializados Analisar propostas de disposições Apoiar a elaboração de um instrumento normativo regional de alta qualidade Promover o constitucionalismo e a harmonização jurídica A participação é voluntária, e as instituições podem indicar até dois especialistas. Como candidatar-se 👉 Formulário de nomeação online: forms.gle/hYcgNPMdML5Mps… Para esclarecimentos: 📩 skurasha@sadcppf.org 📌 Cc: pkanguatjivi@sadcpf.org Calendário 🗓 Março – Novembro 2026 Convite à colaboração O FP-SADC aguarda com expectativa colaborar com parceiros comprometidos com o reforço do constitucionalismo, da governação democrática e do Estado de Direito na região da SADC.

A joint outreach by SADC PF and the Parliament of Botswana is underway in flood-hit Tswapong District. Beyond relief, the mission seeks lasting solutions - stronger infrastructure, uninterrupted health services, and resilient livelihoods for communities facing the growing threat of climate-related disasters across the region. The outreach reflects a key principle of parliamentary work: listen first, legislate better. Evidence gathered on the ground will shape oversight, budgets and policies that protect communities from future climate shocks. #ParliamentInAction #BuildBackBetter #ClimateAction #ParliamentaryOversight #SADCPF

A joint outreach by SADC PF and the Parliament of Botswana is underway in flood-hit Tswapong District. The outreach began with a detailed briefing by Principal Social Welfare Officer Mr Kagiso Seroke, whose situational analysis is guiding parliamentary action to strengthen coordination between government, humanitarian partners and communities. Local leadership is central to the response. Hon. Kabo Ketshogile, Chairperson of Palapye District, described the floods as “the most severe in living memory,” underscoring the urgency of sustained recovery and preparedness efforts. #ClimateAction #ParliamentaryOversight #SADCPF

A joint outreach by SADC PF and the Parliament of Botswana is underway in flood-hit Tswapong District. Supported by the Sweden-funded SRHR, HIV & AIDS Governance Project, the outreach is documenting lived experiences in Mokokwana, Selolwane and Mosweu to identify service gaps and build community preparedness for recurring climate shocks. Disaster officials report that 120 households and 139 individuals were affected by severe flash floods in March 2026, with children and the elderly among the most vulnerable. Parliamentary engagement is now focused on ensuring no one is left behind. #DisasterResponse #ClimateAction #ParliamentaryOversight #SADCPF

A joint outreach by SADC PF and the Parliament of Botswana is underway in flood-hit Tswapong District, gathering evidence to strengthen responses to climate-related emergencies and protect vulnerable communities. #ClimateAction #ParliamentaryOversight #SADCPF

📍 HSDSP Meeting – Day 3 | LIVE from Gaborone Day 3 of the SADC Parliamentary Forum Standing Committee on Human and Social Development and Special Programmes (HSDSP) continues in Gaborone, Botswana. Today’s Public Hearing focuses on the SADC Protocol on Employment and Labour (2023), bringing together stakeholders to address critical labour and social protection issues. 🗣️ Key discussions include: • Decent work and social protection systems • Youth unemployment and the informal economy • Gender equality and workplace protections • Vulnerable groups in the labour market • Links between unemployment, substance abuse, and GBV 🎥 Watch LIVE: youtube.com/watch?v=iPuqJb… #SADCPF #HSDSP #Day3 #PublicHearing #Employment #DecentWork #SocialProtection #YouthEmployment #BotswanaSpeaks #LiveNow

📍 Réunion HSDSP – Jour 3 | EN DIRECT depuis Gaborone Le troisième jour de la réunion de la Commission permanente du SADC Parliamentary Forum sur le développement humain et social et les programmes spéciaux (HSDSP) se poursuit à Gaborone, Botswana. La consultation publique d’aujourd’hui porte sur le Protocole de la SADC sur l’emploi et le travail (2023). 🗣️ Thèmes clés : • Travail décent et systèmes de protection sociale • Chômage des jeunes et économie informelle • Égalité de genre et protection au travail • Groupes vulnérables sur le marché du travail • Liens entre chômage, toxicomanie et VBG 🎥 Suivez en direct : youtube.com/watch?v=iPuqJb… #SADCPF #HSDSP #Jour3 #ConsultationPublique #Emploi #TravailDécent #ProtectionSociale #BotswanaSpeaks #EnDirect

📍 Reunião HSDSP – Dia 3 | AO VIVO a partir de Gaborone O terceiro dia da reunião da Comissão Permanente do SADC Parliamentary Forum sobre Desenvolvimento Humano e Social e Programas Especiais (HSDSP) continua em Gaborone, Botswana. A audiência pública de hoje centra-se no Protocolo da SADC sobre Emprego e Trabalho (2023). 🗣️ Principais temas: • Trabalho digno e sistemas de proteção social • Desemprego jovem e economia informal • Igualdade de género e proteção no trabalho • Grupos vulneráveis no mercado de trabalho • Ligações entre desemprego, abuso de substâncias e VBG 🎥 Assista em direto: youtube.com/watch?v=iPuqJb… #SADCPF #HSDSP #Dia3 #AudiênciaPública #Emprego #TrabalhoDigno #ProteçãoSocial #BotswanaSpeaks #AoVivo

📍 HSDSP Meeting – Day 2 | LIVE from Gaborone Day 2 of the SADC Parliamentary Forum Standing Committee on Human and Social Development and Special Programmes (HSDSP) is underway in Gaborone, Botswana. Today’s Public Hearing focuses on the SADC Protocol on Education and Training (1997), bringing citizens, academia, and stakeholders into the regional dialogue. 🗣️ Key discussions include: • Access to quality education • Child protection and ending child marriage • Gender-responsive early childhood development • Climate change and education • Investing in human capital through education and SRHR 🎥 Watch LIVE: youtube.com/watch?v=yWxsg-… #SADCPF #HSDSP #Day2 #PublicHearing #Education #HumanCapital #SRHR #BotswanaSpeaks #LiveNow

Réunion HSDSP – Jour 2 | EN DIRECT depuis Gaborone Le deuxième jour de la réunion de la Commission permanente du SADC Parliamentary Forum sur le développement humain et social et les programmes spéciaux (HSDSP) se tient à Gaborone, Botswana. La consultation publique d’aujourd’hui porte sur le Protocole de la SADC sur l’éducation et la formation (1997), avec la participation des citoyens, universitaires et parties prenantes. 🗣️ Thèmes clés : • Accès à une éducation de qualité • Protection de l’enfant et lutte contre les mariages précoces • Développement de la petite enfance sensible au genre • Changement climatique et éducation • Investissement dans le capital humain à travers l’éducation et la SSR 🎥 Suivez en direct : youtube.com/watch?v=yWxsg-… #SADCPF #HSDSP #Jour2 #ConsultationPublique #Éducation #CapitalHumain #SSR #BotswanaSpeaks #EnDirect

📍 Reunião HSDSP – Dia 2 | AO VIVO a partir de Gaborone O segundo dia da reunião da Comissão Permanente do SADC Parliamentary Forum sobre Desenvolvimento Humano e Social e Programas Especiais (HSDSP) decorre em Gaborone, Botswana. A audiência pública de hoje centra-se no Protocolo da SADC sobre Educação e Formação (1997), envolvendo cidadãos, académicos e partes interessadas. 🗣️ Principais temas: • Acesso a educação de qualidade • Proteção da criança e combate aos casamentos prematuros • Desenvolvimento da primeira infância com enfoque no género • Alterações climáticas e educação • Investimento no capital humano através da educação e SSR 🎥 Assista em direto: youtube.com/watch?v=yWxsg-… #SADCPF #HSDSP #Dia2 #AudiênciaPública #Educação #CapitalHumano #SSR #BotswanaSpeaks #AoVivo

SADC PF Strengthens Regional Dialogue in Botswana The SADC Parliamentary Forum Standing Committee on Human and Social Development and Special Programmes (HSDSP) is in Botswana for its statutory meeting from 27–29 March 2026. Held under the theme: “Leveraging SADC Protocols on Education and Employment to Build Resilient and Inclusive Human Capital for the Future”, the meeting brings together regional leaders to advance people-centred development. The Committee, led by Honourable Mope Khati, paid a courtesy call to the leadership of the National Assembly of Botswana, reinforcing collaboration and shared commitment to addressing key social challenges. Through its Model Laws, SADC PF continues to drive progress on: • Ending child marriage • Advancing SRHR • Combating gender-based violence • Strengthening prison oversight These engagements underscore the Forum’s pivotal role in shaping inclusive policies and sustainable regional solutions. Your voice matters! Public participation remains central as we work towards a stronger, more inclusive SADC region. #SADCPF #RegionalIntegration #HumanCapital #Education #Employment #SRHR #EndChildMarriage #GBV

Happy 36th Anniversary of Independence Namibia.

Call for Experts. The SADC Parliamentary Forum invites qualified consultants to help develop a Regional Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy (RASHP). Be part of shaping a zero-tolerance framework that promotes dignity, accountability, and safe parliamentary environments across the region. 📅 Deadline: 31 March 2026 👉 Apply here: sadcpf.org/index.php/en/m… 📩 info@sadcpf.org #SADCPF #Consultancy #HumanRights #Governance #GenderEquality #Africa