31 Mar 2026

The National Assembly has reaffirmed Botswana’s commitment to regional cooperation, democratic accountability, and social development as it deepens its engagement with the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF).

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Helen Manyeneng, stated this during a courtesy call by the SADC PF Standing Committee on Human and Social Development and Special Programmes (HSDSP) in Gaborone on Friday.

“Botswana remains an active participant in the forum’s work, influencing regional policy and strengthening parliamentary diplomacy,” Ms Manyeneng said.

The country has been actively involved in SADC PF activities, contributing to policy harmonisation and fostering dialogue among legislatures.

Ms Manyeneng highlighted key initiatives, including a Memorandum of Understanding signed in January to implement a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and HIV Governance Project.

Parliament’s committee system plays a crucial role in oversight, scrutinising government ministries and addressing issues such as health, agriculture, and education.

Botswana is also a member of regional and international parliamentary bodies, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

The country’s parliamentary committees align with SADC PF structures, focusing on areas like health, HIV, local government and social welfare.

In terms of domestic developments, Ms Manyeneng said the inauguration of the 13^th Parliament in November 2024 marked a significant milestone in Botswana’s democratic journey, following a historic political transition after nearly six decades. 

The new Parliament, she said was focused on building a strong, independent institution that sat at the centre of democratic governance and national development. 

“Our vision is to transform the National Assembly into a high-performing institution anchored on effective oversight, robust lawmaking and responsiveness to the needs and aspirations of our people,” she added. 

She also outlined an ambitious reform agenda aimed at strengthening the capacity of Members of Parliament (MPs) and staff, improving institutional systems and enhancing accountability mechanisms. 

Key priorities, she said included; diversifying funding sources, strengthening monitoring and evaluation frameworks, expanding public access and awareness of parliamentary work, promoting inclusion of women, youth and persons with disabilities as well as preserving parliament’s institutional heritage. 

In addition, Ms Manyeneng called for deeper collaboration between Botswana and regional counterparts, particularly through the SADC PF’s Human and Social Development structures. 

She said areas of cooperation could include joint training programmes on governance and oversight, policy exchanges in education, health and social protection, coordinated initiatives targeting youth and vulnerable groups and strengthened research and data support to promote evidence-based lawmaking. 

“These partnerships are critical to strengthening oversight, improving the quality of legislation and ensuring that our programmes deliver measurable impact for our citizens,” she stressed. 

The courtesy call formed part of a broader programme of engagements by the SADC PF Statutory Committee on Human and Social Development and Special Programmes, while in Gaborone. 

The committee later convened its meeting of the Standing Committee on HSDSP on Friday. 

It  was then followed by public hearings meant to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to regional discussions on health, social development and related programmes. 

Ms Manyeneng assured members that Botswana looked forward to continued collaboration with regional partners and to hosting parliamentarians from across the SADC region in future engagements aimed at advancing shared development goals. 

For his remarks, the SADC PF Standing Committee on HSDSP chairperson, Mr Mope Khati expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality they had received since arriving in Botswana. 

Botswana, he said provided an ideal setting for hosting the three-day event, acknowledging the leadership and political support the country provided to the forum’s regional agenda. 

Led by the SADC PF secretary general, Ms Boemo Sekgoma, Mr Khati added that the delegation had brought together MPs from 15 SADC nations to share experiences, from different countries, and address regional topics, including education, employment and human capital resilience. ends