The 58th Plenary Assembly of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), held in Durban, South Africa under the theme “The Impact of Climate Change in the SADC Region and the Role of Parliaments in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation”, was a landmark occasion for the Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles Hon. Azarel Ernesta, attending for the first time since assuming office in October 2025. Her participation signalled a new chapter of engagement for the National Assembly of Seychelles within the Forum. The Hon Speaker was accompanied and supported by the Director of the Office of the Speaker Ms. Genevieve Daniel.
As the youngest Speaker among the SADC PF Membership, Speaker Ernesta formally took her Affirmation of Adherence as a Member of the Forum, a significant step that underscores her commitment to regional parliamentary cooperation. Hon. Ernesta had the opportunity to deliver the Seychelles Country Report, highlighting progress and challenges in areas such as trade policy, democratic governance, youth participation, and climate resilience. The report reaffirmed Seychelles’ dedication to multilateral cooperation, sustainable development, alignment with SADC protocols, strengthened oversight mechanisms, inclusive participation particularly for youth and women, and the transformation of the SADC PF into a fully-fledged regional parliament.
Beyond her formal interventions, Speaker Ernesta held several constructive discussions with the SADC PF Secretary General Ms. Boemo Sekgoma, fellow Honourable Speakers, Members of Parliament, and SADC PF Secretariat staff, gaining insights into the Forum’s priorities and operational approaches. The Plenary Assembly explored strategies for parliaments to enact climate-responsive laws, approve climate-sensitive budgets, and strengthen oversight of adaptation and mitigation efforts. These deliberations resonated strongly with Speaker Ernesta, given the vulnerability of Seychelles as a Small Island Developing State.
In her vote of thanks, Hon. Speaker Azarel Ernesta pledged support for the Forum’s objectives and announced that Seychelles will host the 59th Plenary Assembly in mid-2026, reaffirming the National Assembly’s commitment to regional integration and parliamentary diplomacy. She expressed hope to extend her nation’s renowned hospitality to all SADC PF Member States, reinforcing Seychelles’ role as an active and reliable partner in advancing regional integration and parliamentary diplomacy.
The Durban Assembly was not only a platform for policy dialogue but also a moment of solidarity among Member States. For Speaker Azarel Ernesta, it marked the beginning of a dynamic tenure within the SADC PF, a tenure poised to strengthen regional cooperation, champion climate action, and uphold democratic values across Southern Africa.
Photograph Courtesy: Dr. Moses Magadza, SADC PF Communications Manager
