16 Apr 2024

 Some members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) are attending the SADC Organisation of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC) governance meetings and training in Zanzibar, Tanzania. 

A press release from Parliament states that members are,  general secretary for SADC Organization of Public Accounts Committees chairperson, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi and PAC committee members, Messrs Pono Moatlhodi and Polson Majaga who will also  participate in the peer review programme, discussions on the establishment of subcommittees and training sessions for PAC and similar oversight committees. 

The release states that the main purpose of the training, for members of PACs and officials supporting PACs is to enhance the skills and knowledge of parliamentarians and officials involved in parliamentary oversight. 

The training also serves to empower members of PACs and similar committees and officials supporting PACs with the necessary tools and knowledge to facilitate robust oversight processes. 

“The aim of governance meetings is to facilitate effective decision-making, collaboration, and communication among SADCOPAC members,” states the release. 

It further says that peer review programme aims to enhance accountability and effectiveness of parliamentary oversight within the SADC Region. 

Training will also facilitate mutual assessment among members, to identify strengths and areas for improvement in oversight practices and encourage culture of accountability and transparency among member states through constructive peer reviews as well as foster sharing of successful oversight strategies and methodologies, states the press release. 

It further states that the establishment and operation of sub-committees on the other hand aim to streamline efforts, focus expertise, and strengthen collaboration in key areas of parliamentary oversight and regional network dealing with accountability in SADC Region. 

The release says these subcommittees will delve into thematic areas such as budget scrutiny, audit examination, legal and regulatory affairs, technology in oversight, and capacity building.

 Moreover, the meeting will harness diverse expertise within SADCOPAC to address specific challenges in public financial management as well as facilitate in-depth discussions and targeted actions in key oversight areas. PAC members are expected back home April 20. Ends