The Executive Secretary of SADC, H.E. Elias M. Magosi, paid a Courtesy Call on the Speaker Hon. Roger Mancienne. Alongside Hon. Mancienne was the Deputy Speaker Hon. Gervais Henrie, Hon. Waven William, and the Clerk of the National Assembly Mrs. Tania Isaac. Accompanying H.E. Magosi was the Analyst for Social and Economic Threats Mr. Charles Zanza, the Project Management Officer Mr. Goitsemodimo Rakaru, and the Communication and Public Relations Officer Mr. Innocent Mbvundula.
H.E. Magosi introduced his delegation’s mission to Seychelles, which was primarily to promote the vision and the intentions of the SADC for the future, with a special focus on the cooperation among Member States. “Regional African problems have an inclination to spill over into neighboring states” he mentioned, “making communication across boundaries incredibly important”. He further remarked that “the key is governance”, especially in terms of economic and natural disasters; H.E. Magosi expressed the need to quicken the ratification process and urged the executive to be fully engaged in such matters, and the support of parliaments, crucial.
Hon. Mancienne responded to these points by expressing his support for SADC as the Speaker of the National Assembly and also the President of the SADC Parliamentary Forum. He noted that SADC has a very committed partner in Seychelles,, as both the Executive and Legislature are actively following the work of SADC across Africa. The Speaker also commented that SADC should be seen as an anchor for Africa, and more importantly an example of governance that may guide countries to more peaceful and democratic resolutions. He noted that as the President of SADC PF his role is not to be ‘implementalist’, but to be a guide and an influencer in the ways of policies and changes.
The meeting came to a close with Hon. Mancienne wishing the delegation a pleasant stay, and a warm invitation to revisit Seychelles again. H.E. Magosi thanked the Speaker in return and presented him with a gift.
