1.2. South African Delegation

(a) The Hon. F Hajaig, MP (Head of the Delegation)

(b) The Hon. Mr E Sogoni, MP

(c) The Hon. Mr W J Seremane, MP

(d) The Hon. D J Sithole, MP

(e) Two Support Staff: Mr Jazze Mokoena (Researcher) and Ms Dudu Lenzie (Legal Advisor)

2. COUNTRIES REPRESENTED (12 OF 13)

Angola

Botswana

Democratic Republic of Congo

Lesotho

Malawi

Mauritius

Mozambique

Namibia

South Africa

Swaziland

Zambia

Zimbabwe

Tanzania: absent due to elections that were taking place.

3. THEME

Redefining strategic priorities of the SADC-Parliamentary Forum to mainstream parliamentary dimensions to regional integration.

(A) Report of the Legal Sub-Committee

Dealt with credentials and apologies and rules for committee elections

(B) Committee on Democracy, Gender and Conflict Resolution/Peace Building

The name of this Committee is changed to: Committee on Democratisation, Governance and Gender Equality.

(C) Committee on Inter-parliamentary Co-operation

The Committee has observer status in Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). It collaborates with New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and Association of West European Parliamentarians for Africa (AWEPA). A Parliamentary Leadership Centre (PLC) was also instituted with an Advisory Board.

(D) Committee on Regional Integration

Visa restrictions: negotiations to eliminate this in the SADC region. Some countries have already entered into agreements.

A concern was raised about the treatment of MP's at South African Airports. What have we done?

(E) Committee on HIV and AIDS

The Committee noted the following:

• The Secretariat did not keep contact with the Chairperson of the Committee on matters pertaining to activities and decisions that need to be taken on behalf of the Committee.

• HIV and AIDS should be dealt with together with other infectious diseases.

(F) Committee on the Regional Women's Parliamentary Caucus

In terms of the SADC Declaration countries must achieve 30% representation for women in positions of power and decision-making. This has been increased to 50-50 representations of women and men.

(A) Report of the Chairperson

Courtesy visits to Heads of State

(B) Report of the Secretary-General

The Secretary's report dealt much with the Five-Year Strategic Plan, which covers the period 2006 to 2010. The objectives of the Strategic Plan (for the next five years 2006-2010 are as follows:

• Effective implementation of regional integration programmes.

• Improving institutions of democratic governance in the SADC region. . Increased Professional performance.

• Strategic partnerships and alliances established for parliamentary cooperation.

The audit for the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2005 was conducted in July 2005.

6. THE VISION AND MISSION OF SADC-PF

The adopted vision and mission was amended to read:

• Vision: "A delivery focused, people centred institution that accelerates and promotes parliamentary participation in regional decision making for the benefit of the citizens of SADC".

• Mission:" To facilitate strategic partnerships within the SADC region, promote information sharing, initiate and implement projects that enhance regional integration and promote effective and professional parliamentary practice".

7. PRESENTATION AND ADDRESS

• The Deputy Executive Secretary highlighted the fact that in 2004, real Growth Domestic Product (GDP) of the SADC region grew at the rate of 4.1 % as compared to 3.2% in 2003. This economic growth was due among other factors, peace and political stability obtained in the region, sound macro-economic reforms in the SADC member countries.

(b) Presentation by Professor Max Essex of the Harvard School of Public Health

• The Presentation was on HIV

• His Emphasis was on modern behavioural change is important to avoid the spread of the pandemic.

• Share of best practices.

There is a need to make a follow up on the following issues:

• The Secretariat was mandated to ensure that reports on InterParliamentary co-operation activities are circulated to all member Parliaments quarterly. Has this happened?

• It was agreed that Members attending SADC-PF meeting must present summary reports of the meeting to be discussed by their Parliaments.

• Progress regarding the clarification of role of SADC-PF and its relationship with SADC.

• SADC Parliament.

• Visa restrictions: negotiations to eliminate this in the SADC region.

• Some countries have already entered into agreements. Have SA started negotiating with neighbouring states?

The following are also some of the issues that should be considered for incorporation in the work plan (which is part of the Strat-Plan) as agreed in the previous session:

• Knowledge and information sharing and capacity building initiatives on parliamentary reforms to enhance the independence and financial autonomy of Parliamentary Forum.

• Engagement with the PAP processes, including SADC caucus in the PAP.

• Conscientisation of National Parliaments on the work of SADC-PF and the establishment of permanent feedback mechanisms between parliamentary forum and national Parliaments.

In addition to the above points, the following should also be considered:

• The increment of annual mandatory contribution per member Parliament of R850 000 will take effect from 1^st April 2006.

• The 10th Anniversary of the SADG-PF is in July 2006 and all member' Parliaments shall participate in the financing of the activities of the 10^th Anniversary.