The Southern African Development Community Organization of Public Accounts Committees (SADCOPAC), in collaboration with the Parliament of Botswana, hosted the SADCOPAC Governance Meetings, two-day training, Peer Review Programme for Members of Public Accounts Committees (PACs) and supporting officials. The sessions took place from 25th April to 02nd May 2025 in Gaborone, Botswana and were attended by Hon. Sandy Arissol in his capacity as a senior member of the Finance & Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) of the National Assembly, accompanied by Committee Support Staff Ms. Michelle Cupidon.
The programme began with meetings of the SADCOPAC Technical Working Group attended by Ms. Cupidon and other parliamentary officials, followed by the Office Bearers and Governing Council Meetings attended by Hon. Arissol. The meetings involved discussions on pertinent matters regarding the affairs of SADCOPAC, particularly the active participation of Seychelles as Deputy Treasurer to the organization.
On Monday 28th April 2025, the delegation paid a Courtesy Call to the Honorable Speaker of the Parliament of Botswana Hon. Dithapelo L. Keorapetse, a notable SADCOPAC PAC Chairperson. The delegation also met with the Assistant Minister for State President Hon. Maipelo Mophuting at the Office of the President. During the Courtesy Call on the Honorable Speaker, Hon. Keorapetse implored the SADCOPAC to be a partner in the transformation journey of Botswana as it continues its democratic journey.
The two-day training took place on Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th April 2025 and was aimed at strengthening the capacity of members of PACs across the SADC region and other similar oversight committees, to exercise effective Parliamentary oversight and promote financial accountability within the region. The training involved workshops and sessions on enhancing the skills of the PAC Members and supporting officials, promoting sustainable development through improved Public Financial Management, building technical capacities, and fostering professional development.
During the second day of training, Hon. Sandy Arissol chaired an insightful session which included 3 presentations on the following topics; Extractive Industries sector and financial Intelligence Agency by Mr. Edmond Shoko; Leveraging Media and civil society organization (CSOS) to enhance public awareness on transparency and accountability in illicit financial flows and the extractive industry by Ms. Tumisang Seabo; and the Mandate of the Financial Intelligence Agency by Nozi Jeremia.
To conclude the training sessions, the Vice-Chairperson of SADCOPAC presented certificates to all PAC Members and participants in thanks for their active participation.
