Publication of theParliamentPublication of Namibia -Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 Parliament Journal Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 1

ParliamentJournal Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 ParliamentJournal 2 Members of the Omusati Regional Council who paid a courtesy call on National Council Chairman Asser Kapere (centre) on 21 on (centre) Kapere Chairman October 2008.Asser Council National on call courtesy a paid who Council Regional Omusati the of Members the of launch the at Disability Handbookfor MembersofParliamentin (NFPDN) Namibia Windhoek. in Disabilities with People of Federation National the from Representatives photo(s) where possible. parliament.gov.na, accompaniedby appropriate [email protected] ort.kaambo@ You may alsoe-mailyour contributionsto www.parliament.gov.na Access ParliamentofNamibiaat: Fax 26461226121/231687. Windhoek,Namibia; 13323, Tel. / 2889111;61 264 / 8000 202 61 264 13371 Bag Private Street, and contributions Editor,Journal,the Love Parliament written to enquiries your send Please contributions for clarityandstyle. abridge or edit to right the or reserve editors The issues. from Parliamentary on researchers words expertise with 000 groups 2 individual and 500 Parliamentarians, 1 contributions between written of welcomes Journal The the Parliament ofNamibia. of Division by Information - and Research December the times and three August April, – published annually is Journal Parliament Printing: La Photogra Staff writers: Members: Editors: Editorial Board Namibia. view pointorpolicyoftheParliament Journal donotnecessarily represent theofficial The opinionsexpressed intheParliament No.3, September-December 2008 - Vol.6Namibia of Parliament the of Publication Ferdinando Casini, lookson. winning being President,Hon.Pier IPU for Outgoingrace. the (right) Laksono Gurirab Agung Hon. Theo-Ben competitor,Indonesian his by congratulated Dr. Hon. Cover photo: yout:

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ParliamentJournal Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 ParliamentJournal 4 Editor ih einl ne-alaetr ognstos a wl a wt international with same ideals. as well as the by motivated are organisations, which non-governmentalintergovernmentalorganizations and inter-parliamentary regional with it.with shares,co-operation it close in co-operates works also and body world The during histenure ofoffice, willmake toleadtheIPUgreater effort every heights. doubt,Hon.therefore,Dr.no that with Gurirab,is people.It and the of empowerment equality gender security, human development, social peace, world promotes which cause worthy every in fully involved be to pledged further constituents.He GRULAC speaks volumes ofhiscapabilities. IPU and Union, African the of Government and State of Group,Heads Africa IPU The fact that Dr. Gurirab’s candidature was endorsed by distinction.SADC with IPU Parliamentary Forum, of office highest the in assignment new his perform to takes it development oftheirmeansaction. knowledge of the working of representative institutions and to the strengthening and parliamentary democracy and development. In addition, on the of IPU factor contributes essential to an views-- better rights human of promotion and defence the its to contributes It parliamentarians. and expressesparliaments by action and about bring to concerns order in issues and such interests international of questions countries.all of parliamentarians and parliaments among considers organisation The democracy, with the purpose to foster contacts, co-ordination, exchange experience representativeof establishment the for peoples among co-operation and peace for works1889. and in dialogue parliamentary world-widefor summit the is Union The elected President oftheIPUon15October2008for athree-year term. being forDr.Hon. Gurirab congratulating in general in Africa and Region (SADC) Parliament time (IPU).This Journal joins Union the citizens of Namibia, Inter-Parliamentary the Southern African Development the Community of Presidency the for the Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab’s campaign I T A T I hs cetne peh D. uia pegd o e P Peiet o al its all for President IPU be to pledged Gurirab Dr. speech, acceptance his n on focused 2008),we(May-August Journal Parliament the of issue previous the n he Parliament Journal wishes to reiterate its position that Hon. Dr. Gurirab has what he IPU is an international organisation of Parliaments of sovereign States established dditionally, the IPU supports the efforts of the United Nations whose objectives whose Nations United the of efforts the dditionally, supports IPU the From the celebrate not my success as the new the as success my not celebrate on.We is clear. celebration is Victory Democracy has spoken and the verdict as following: reads speech acceptance abridged and victory Gurirab’s Dr. 2005. since of Deputies, who had been IPU President Chamber Italian the of former President the Casini, of Ferdinando Pier aspects all Hon.life.Dr.replaced human Gurirab in and equality gender security human development, social peace, be world promotes constituents,which cause worthy IPU’s every in fully of involved all for President be to pledged Dr. Gurirab speech, acceptance and victory his In Nations. its Permanent Observer to the United world as New acts in which York, Office an has also The parliaments of associated organisation assemblies. eight regional and parliaments national affiliated multilateral 154 together - brings world oldest the in the with organisation political - and IPU the 1889 Switzerland, Geneva, in Headquarters in Established Development Community (SADC)Region. African Southern the from president its elects IPU the that time first the is Laksono.This Agung Mr. Indonesia, of Representatives of House the Speakerof and competitor his garnering by scored votes Gurirab 113 against 200 Dr. saw 2008, of the Union in Geneva on 15 October session 119th the at place voting,took which ballot secret The term. year has Parliamentary Union (IPU) for a Inter-three- the of Gurirab President elected been Theo-Ben Dr. Hon. SpeakerThe National the of Assembly NEW PRESIDENT NEW ITS AS GURIRAB ELECTSIPU the other regionsother the worldthe of met or to went I efforts.Whenever genuine their by national sustained was I and parliaments, Pan-African governments various the (PAP),Parliament (APU),with interaction and Parliamentary Union African Community the (SADC), Development African Southern (AU),the Union of the African parliamentarians cluster of work hard and involvement active Through our continentandherpeople. of pride joyful and living a candidature public my making for media the and officials leaders, and parliamentary Africa of their people the thank to 15 September annually. I wish sincerely as Democracy,on of celebrate we which democracy embodied in the Universal Declaration parliamentary of cherish we vision the rekindled have we leadership, of succession peaceful and authority of transition orderly By our in national parliaments. represent we people the accountable of an rights legitimate of the and of government reaffirmation principles a the is It are invoking. we what is democracy. That of ideals the to our commitment of collective renewal a is It (IPU). Union Inter-Parliamentary the of President as IPUPresident. election his after Hon. shortly Dr. speech acceptance his delivering Gurirab Theo-Ben n blees n h Bnug legacy, Bundung the in believers and of of products are us of democracy’stime.Both next by House lucky for open door fairness,keepsthe it as got I This the Indonesia.time, of of Representatives Laksono, persistent Speaker my Agung to Hon. tribute competitor, a pay I well-done. job a for him congratulate and work outstanding his recognise Weyears. eventful three for Casini, seat this Ferdinando occupied Pier Hon. man, great people.A the of empowerment and development, equality gender security, social human peace, world promotes which cause worthy every in fully involved be will constituents.I its all for President IPU be to pledge I muchvery indeed. all of you solidarity.thank international I meaning the knows country, my to each and every one of you. Namibia, victory owehonouredthis and deeply am I Groups. Geopolitical IPU other of members the engaging consistently which by process the managed diligently has Group IPU Geopolitical the to African goes accolade best My andgoodwill. encouraging support received conferences,I at delegations Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 5

ParliamentJournal 6

Non-Alignment and South-South cooperation. Our two countries and peoples enjoy longstanding and friendly relations that will endure. I will seek your support in my work.

The world is changing and moving on. Leadership must keep in tandem with its direction and mitigate imponderables of change. As parliamentarians, we have a stake in these challenges. We are therefore expected by the people, the reason for our existence and activities, to influence change towards a better world. The future we want must end wars, nuclear proliferation, regional conflicts, domestic violence, religious intolerance, poverty, HIV/AIDS, youth unemployment and the disconnection between the city and the village. We must be committed defenders of the rule of law, social justice, moral fortitude and human compassion.

As Speakers and Presiding Officers, as parliamentarians and international civil servants, our duty is to understand the wishes and concerns of the people Outgoing IPU President Pier Ferdinando Casini (right) and the Union’s Secretary- and to take action for their well- General, Mr. Anders Johnsson (left) congratulating a delighted Theo-Ben Gurirab on his being, access to capital and security. election victory. It is the people who are changing the world. We need to be there with them Over more than 40 years of my life, I commend the vital political role that always. Our thoughts and deeds must I have struggled for and promoted the IPU Presidency and the Office of resonate with what the people feel these ideals and virtues as defining the Secretary-General respectively and what they want in life. commitments of my personal life. My continue to bring to bear on the mind is set for the future. In essence, essential relationship between the IPU We must assist the people with the these commitments speak to my and the UN. Furthermore, the IPU necessary means to acquire knowledge, mind and conviction, about human and legislatures of certain big powers and avail themselves of information brotherhood, social development should come together with the same and improve support services towards and harmony between women, men, conviction to promote dialogue realising their dreams. By enlarging their children and the environment. on democracy, invest in human opportunities for self-empowerment, development and make peace-building we will increase our own interaction My view is, in bringing a parliamentary a priority. with the various communities which dimension to the United Nations, the we are responsible for. Because of IPU must protect its unique identity and I conclude by paraphrasing my dear that, we cannot compromise on policy mission that stand on ensuring public brother and predecessor, the late Dr. issues and social pre-occupations as interest and accountability. While the Mosé Penaani Tjitendero, the founding they relate to the larger human society. growing IPU-UN partnership seeks Speaker of our Parliament who the same goal of promoting human missed this honour and recognition The Universal Declaration on development, social stability and aiming that I now happily enjoy, many thanks Democracy states that: “Peace at creating economic opportunities for to you. I earnestly offer you my and economic, social and cultural the people. The oversight function has vision, commitment and service, my development are both conditions for its priorities that we, parliamentarians, internationalism and my dedication and fruits of democracy. There is thus cannot ignore in the scramble for to the vision of IPU and the ideals of inter-dependence between peace, towering world politics. We should democracy. I pledge to serve all of you development, respect for observance be building towards complement, without fear and favour or prejudice; of the rule of law and human rights.” reciprocity and to avoid fusion. and with loyalty and impartiality. Journal

Vol.6 No.3 September - December 2008 Parliament 7

IPU PRESIDENCY IN BRIEF

According to the IPU Constitution, the organisation’s Governing Council elects the president for a three-year term. The IPU President is the political head of the union and shall be ex-officio President of the Governing Council. The election of the President takes place during the second Assembly of the year. If, for exceptional reasons, the Assembly cannot be convened, the Governing Council may nevertheless hold the election. Hon. Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab being congratulated by his Indonesian competitor, Hon. Agung Laksono (right) for winning the race. Outgoing IPU President, Hon. Pier The retiring IPU President is not Ferdinando Casini, looks on. eligible for re-election and must be replaced by a person from another activities of the Union and informs Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Parliament. An endeavour is made to the Secretariat of its composition, the Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia ensure a regular rotation between names of its officers, and its rules of and Zimbabwe. the different geopolitical Groups. procedure. In case of the resignation, loss of Arab Group: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, parliamentary mandate or death of the As stipulated in the statute of the Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, president, the functions of president is union, those Members belonging Mauritania, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi exercised by the Vice-President of the to more than one geopolitical Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Executive Committee appointed by group should inform the Secretary- Arab Emirates the latter, until the Governing Council General which geopolitical group and Yemen. has elected a new president. The same they represent for the purposes of provision applies in the case of the submitting candidatures for positions Asia Pacific: Afghanistan, Australia, suspension of the affiliation of the within the Union. Cambodia, Canada, China, Democratic Member of the Union to which the People's Republic of Korea, India, President of the Inter-Parliamentary There are six geopolitical groups of Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic Union belongs. the union that are currently active. of), Japan, Lao People's Democratic They are composed of the African Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, The president is assisted by a group Group with 42 member nations; New Zealand, Pakistan, Palau, Papua of six vice-presidents representing the Arab Group with 17 member New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of each of the geopolitical groups and nations; the Asia-Pacific Group with Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Sri Lanka, appointed from among the members 26 members; the Eurasia Group with Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam. of the Executive Committee for a seven members; the Latin American renewable term of one year. and Caribbean Group with 19 Eurasia Group: Armenia, Belarus, members; and the Twelve-Plus Group Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Republic of with 45 member-states. The groups are Moldova, Russian Federation IPU grouped in countries as listed below: and Tajikistan. GEOPOLITICAL African Group: Algeria, Angola, Benin, Group of Latin America and the Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Caribbean: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, GROUPS Cameroon, Cape Verde, Republic Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, of Congo, Ivory Cost, Democratic Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Geopolitical groups play an important Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, role in the functioning of the Inter- Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Parliamentary Union. Each group Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, decides on its own working methods Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Twelve-Plus Group: Albania, Andorra,

that best suits its participation in the Rwanda, São Tomé and Principe, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Journal

Vol.6 No.3 September - December 2008 Parliament 8

Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, United Kingdom.

Some IPU members (such as Azerbaijan, Maldives, Montenegro and Ukraine) are not affiliated to any of the above geographical groups. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament are observers only.

GURIRAB REFLECTS ON HIS RECENT ELECTION

The election of Namibia’s Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, to the Presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) presents him with additional challenges, responsibilities and mandates. These challenges range from revitalizing the economy to poverty eradication, the fight against HIV and AIDS, youth development, job creation, global warming and climate change, social instability, organised crime, and domestic violence. Parliament Journal caught up with Dr. Gurirab and asked him on how he felt being elected to Dr. Gurirab admits that the IPU faces the challenges of poverty eradication, HIV and this high international position on 15 AIDS, job creation, climate change and organised crime among others. October 2008 coming from a small country like Namibia. to do with that this is just another I am sure that all the African countries opportunity. I had perhaps the rarest voted for my candidature. We wanted Gurirab: Thank you very much for the opportunities in 1999 for having to make a case, but we did not quite opportunity to talk to you. It is a great been elected as the President of the succeed in convincing all the countries honour for me personally as a Namibian United Nations General Assembly. because there was another candidate and as a citizen of the SADC region. At It is an opportunity that will repeat (Mr. Agung Laksono) from Indonesia the end, I was Africa’s candidate for the itself only in the next century when who also stood. But the results of the IPU presidency. It did not come as a we enter the 22nd Century and the election underlined the fact that this is surprise to me. I campaigned with the next millennium. My presidency of Africa’s term and I won big at the end. help of my country and with the help the General Assembly took place at of my colleague African Speakers from the dawn of the 21st Century and at PJ: Does your election have a special SADC Parliaments. We enlisted the the dawn of the third millennium. In meaning or benefit for Africa and support of our governments and we comparison to that, this is a smaller Namibia in particular? made use of the Ministries of Foreign run. Affairs of the SADC countries. Our Gurirab: Just the same as when I own (Namibian) Ministry of Foreign PJ: Which countries and individuals became President of the United Affairs instructed all our Ambassadors were your chief supporters in your bid Nations General Assembly. Once you (and High Commissioners) throughout for the IPU Presidency? are elected, you become a servant of the world to champion this campaign the membership of the organisation. for my election. Gurirab: They were all the African You cannot practice apartheid countries – it became Africa’s stand and when you become a president of

Journal In a way, my not being surprised has all the African countries supported me. international bodies. The reason why

Vol.6 No.3 September - December 2008 Parliament 9 the IPU Presidency rotates among The challenges of global warming and become successful and reach high. regions underlines the consideration climate change need to be addressed. They tend to forget how they got up that all the regions should have a term The real issues at the heart of it all are there. I have achieved a great deal in my to serve. That implies that when you two things: one is the economy. Africa life and I owe all those achievements become a president representing is a continent of enormous natural to the wonderful people that were a given region, the sensitivity, the resources and, on the other hand, with around me, who inspired me and who priorities, and the concerns of the poor people. This is a major challenge. set examples for me. At a very young people of that region should enjoy, The other challenge is what I would age, the leadership of the SWAPO perhaps not higher consideration, but call the concern about social instability. Party, our Founding President – the prominent consideration. This is a broad term which lumps first President of the SWAPO Party together poverty, the breakdown (Dr. Sam Nujoma) – saw in me an PJ: How are you going to reconcile your of law and order, organised crime, ability, together with a handful of my duties as IPU President and Speaker of domestic and commercial violence – colleagues – actually two others – to the National Assembly simultaneously? all these are challenges. If we could represent our movement while we get the economy right and create were students. I went on to become Gurirab: It is a tough one. Being employment opportunities; if we could the first permanent observer of any Speaker of the National Assembly in get the economy right so that the African liberation movement at the itself has made the responsibilities national budget can provide more in United Nations, officially representing and the mandates of the National the areas of education, healthcare and our liberation movement, SWAPO. Assembly to grow. My plate is full infrastructure, we would have done I became SWAPO’s Secretary for and is becoming fuller everyday in well. Foreign Affairs, a post that I held my capacity as the Speaker. The roles until we came back home (in 1989). I of national parliaments have gone Social instability means the breakdown became Foreign Minister and served beyond the national borders. They in family lives, a disparity between the the longest and still holding the record. have become regional, continental and urban life and the rural life. It means I think I will hold that record for a global. It is a very valid point. I will be violence where children and young long time because I don’t think any able to do what I am doing as Speaker people no longer attach importance successor of mine as Foreign Minister and meet the challenges that I know to their cultural values and customs. will be allowed to serve for more than will be written down in terms of the Those are the things that I would a decade. calendar of the National Assembly. want to share with the membership With the equally mounting challenges of IPU to articulate them from a I became Prime Minister and now I and responsibilities, as President of parliamentary perspective. That is why am the Speaker. I became President of the IPU, I will have to do that. The parliaments are placed on the front the United Nations General Assembly. criteria for being elected as President banner. I am now the President of the Inter- of the IPU are dictated that you must Parliamentary Union. That is quite a be a head of parliament – a Speaker/ PJ: Should you not be re-elected as lot. I am most grateful for the love, Presiding Officer. I will do my level Speaker of the National Assembly support, encouragement and care best. Both of them are very demanding in 2010, will this affect your IPU that I have received from those who positions. But I will have to balance the Presidency? felt that I have a contribution to make. responsibilities, which means that my That is the spirit that I will always hold deputy will now do more work then Gurirab: It is a good question. You ask dear. she would have normally been doing. me to tell my SWAPO Party to make sure that I am on the party list because PJ: What are the series of things that I deserve that. As all of you know, as you plan to accomplish at the end of a member of the SWAPO Party and your three-year term? as a Namibian, I am a nice person [laughter]. Well, it is not for me to say. Gurirab: It is a long list. But I can take you But, of course, I expect, I trust, I hope through by mentioning some of them. and I pray that that will not happen. I We have been talking that Africa has its hope that I will continue to be Speaker special needs – the needs for poverty in order to serve my three-year term eradication, the needs for fighting the as IPU President. HIV and AIDS pandemic, the needs for empowerment of women, the PJ: Is there anything else you would like needs for youth development and to to add? I have achieved a great deal in my life create opportunities for those leaving and I owe all those achievements to the secondary schools and universities to Gurirab: Yes. I just want to say that wonderful people who inspired and set find jobs or to start entrepreneurship. so much has been said when people examples for me. Journal

Vol.6 No.3 September - December 2008 Parliament Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 ParliamentJournal 10 Hon. Asser Kapere, Chairman oftheNationalCouncil in Windhoek. the of World AIDS Day on commemoration 1 December 2008 the during Kapere Hon.Asser Council, the National of Chairperson the by This said country.” was our within care treatment and prevention, HIV/AIDS in progressencourage and pandemic the of status the about awareness spread help to ensure that public and order private partners in the global commemoration Day AIDS World a the of of being part to rest itself committed the world, like “Namibia, SPREAD AWARENESS ON HIV/AIDS, URGES KAPERE URGES HIV/AIDS, ON AWARENESS SPREAD support by 2010”. support and care to treatment, prevention, access HIV universal of promise the particularly to response– made the AIDS in been have that fulfill commitments to needed efforts in highlighting endeavours their redouble must leadership of levels all at “Individuals demonstrate pandemic.the of face the in solidarity and HIV/AIDS awareness raise about to together come world the around from organisations Kapere said on this day, individuals and a vr wl b te raet threat greatest the be well very may with sayexaggeration to no is “It that AIDS severely development balance.the livesin of hanging millions was world undermining the in and HIV AIDS of impact the said Kapere agenda”. national our of forefront the at AIDS HIV/ put to continue therefore must clear successes are being achieved. activities We and cross-cuttingtogether,turning come is tide the public and issues, about openness leadership, political concerned where countries Region, reminded the audience Erongothat “in the in Constituency Arandis the for Councillor the Kapere,Hon. stressed. years”,few next he the during decline ensuring that we witness a double digit and we must all redouble our efforts in 2006 to 17.8 percent, “ it is not enough 2002 to 19.9 percent in 2006 and from in 22 percent from significantly fallen have Namibia in cases positive AIDS HIV/ of rate prevalence the that note He general”.said although it was encouraging to in country the and villages devastation that isoverwhelmingour cities, the towns, ignore people, cannot million “we 2 approximately of population small a has Namibia since that view the of is Kapere Chairman that affects each one of us”, he emphasised. catastrophe social and political with a major health, security, economic, world.the in Altogether,faced arewe has become the leading cause of death responsibility.AIDS shared a is AIDS against battle the that recognise must “wethat public the reminded Kapere by HIV/AIDS”. affected those of plight the lessening in role communities a play all must our homes,we and in leaders as and supervisors and managers, servants, stressedthat parliamentarians,“as civil The Chairman of the National Council rgams o netd mothers, infected full-scale to delivering programmes requires tools workable such condom Applying distribution. and behaviour, sexual safe and responsible for counseling peer group and skills life of combination a include ways.“They preventive AIDS He reminded the public of the HIV and with obtained monitored programmes”, and hesaid. be organised considerable carefully can levels, results national and solid evidence that, at local community is transmission.“There HIV reducing of waytreatment, a preventionand as coherent efforts, awareness a public in approach for advocated Kapere lives”. save to struggle common our in partners success achieve to hands join must cooperating international and Government, communities, religious youth, the The sector,private society,civil political particularly and commitment. will partnerships around require situation the turn and contain to “efforts that suggested He to defeat AIDS”. front united a staff,form and must we untouched.Parliamentarians, activists, worldmanagement the Namibia is no exception. of That’s why, as part no today, leaving humanity of survival to AIDS Day2008. the Worldof commemoration in candles lighting Council National the of Members infected withHIV/AIDS; and by affected communities of status the affecting adversely laws repealing • and men; justice and fairness ensureto women, children and bias gender eliminate to services and to care resources, applicable access procedures and laws • against HIV and AIDS as: fight the of in responsibilities Parliamentarians the outlined He a united force”. as together work must we that is critical objective.is this What achieve pandemic. to power Weour in haveit AIDS the defeat run, long the in and, reduce manage, to able are we that ensure to individuals as and nation a dreadful as strength our mobilise to hands join this to all should we this, do “Topandemic. fight themselves mutual successfully among and support to solidarity public strengthen the encouraged Kapere embattled youth and AIDS orphans”. • and infected people; against,empowermentof,and affected discrimination of forms all of removal measures to ensure the protection and

Adoption Re Re iwn, mnig or amending viewing, the reform and view f legislative of • 20th anniversary of 20th anniversary World AIDS Day. the markedconcluded. 2008 year The he difference”, a make really we can then, only for purpose, single-minded and intensity with pandemic the fight and efforts However, our play. strengthen must can we us of that one tasks each and are roles specific There some role. and responsibility critical particularly a shoulder all we that recognise to disposal. “Weneed their at tools and knowledge the with fellow his leaders community to fight HIV and AIDS together and to parents lawmakers, appealed Kapere all positions in spheres ofpublicandprivatelife. power in real and men leadership representation of and women equal of the ensure which measures positive and policies • economic empowerment of promote women and children; eradication and poverty the of for strategies and • stereotypes; of perpetuation the avoid and issue, which ensure sensitive coverage of the guidelines adopt benefit, but their for HIV/AIDS concerning issues exploit not must media HIV/AIDS.The with infected and by affected communities the against in discrimination of role eradication constructive a play to • against women andchildren; discrimination at public aimed eradicating and programmes awareness sensitisation gender • people; practices legitimise which infected and affected of discrimination beliefs, stereotypes, norms and religious traditional in and elements of • to HIV/AIDS, enjoy effective accesstocounseling; with infected and by affected administrative communities for mechanisms and legal priority, of

Encouraging Intr Pr Intr Adopting Intr mtn te eradication the omoting dcn programmes oducing supporting and oducing matter a as oducing, Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 n promoting and h media the 11

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the resilience and universality of the PARLIAMENT principles of democracy by declaring 15 September as the International Day CELEBRATES DAY of Democracy. It is the day to celebrate OF DEMOCRACY democracy.” According to Dr. Gurirab, it was the duty of the IPU to maintain vigilance and ensure that national parliaments became committed agents who kept the tradition alive in the hearts and minds of the people. Democracy required strong parliaments, buttressed by functioning constitutions, dedicated parliamentarians and informed and Parliament of Namibia celebrated demanding citizens, Dr Gurirab Judge President of the High Court of for the first time the International emphasised. Namibia, Mr. Petrus Damaseb. Day of Democracy this year. The United Nations General Assembly The head of the Evangelical Lutheran Dr Gurirab said that any discussion on proclaimed the day in 2007 and Church in Namibia, Bishop Zephania democracy began with the people. He declared 15 September annually as the Kameeta, summed up what he saw as said it used to be said that apartheid International Day of Democracy. This the “ideal moral values of a society in a year, Namibia celebrated the day on 18 South Africa was a republic without the democracy” as following: a democratic September as the National Assembly public for excluding the overwhelming State was like a house in which a did not resume business until 16 majority of the people of the country. family lives under one roof. Each September 2008. The struggle to bring freedom and individual with her/his own identity, justice was meant, in a large measure, characteristics and different ideas; In his welcoming remarks, the Speaker to bring democracy, equality and the sharing, caring, tolerance and unity of the National Assembly, Hon. Dr. rule of law to both Namibia and South in diversity were the indispensable Theo-Ben Gurirab who is also the Africa. It is understood that one-size- characteristics and the soul of this IPU President, gave a background on fits-all democracy is unrealistic. For house. Without it, this house will be the origin of the International Day of democracy to be worthy of the name, torn apart and fall; not our differences, Democracy: “The Inter-Parliamentary it must have certain essential features but our unity is the most important Union (IPU) in September 1997 which should be measurable. Among aspect of our relationships and living adopted a Universal Declaration such essential features, Dr. Gurirab together in our one democratic house on Democracy and called upon its observed, were written constitutions, called Namibia; and that we must constituents – the National Parliaments representative governments, periodical never ever allow the ugly things of the – to popularise its contents widely elections, and respect for human rights, past to return or being repeated in our in their respective countries. The parliaments, freedom of speech and democracy, today or in the future. idea originated much earlier from association, religion, judiciary, national the United Nations. In 2007, the budget and a public service that is The Judge President of the High Court UN General Assembly reaffirmed accountable. of Namibia, Mr. Petrus Damaseb, quoting the Universal Declaration on Democracy adopted by the Inter- Parliamentary Council at its 161st session in Cairo on 16 September 1997, stressed that “a state of democracy ensured that the processes by which power was acceded to, wielded and alternated, allowed for free political competition and were the product of open, free and non-discriminatory participation by the people, exercised in accordance with the rule of law”.

According to Damaseb, the Universal Declaration on Democracy states in part that: “Democracy is founded on the primacy of the law and the exercise of human rights. In a democratic State, no one is above the law and all are equal before the law.” Representatives from Namibia’s tertiary institutions and civic organisations joined Journal Parliamentarians this year to celebrate the International Day of Democracy.

Vol.6 No.3 September - December 2008 Parliament Electoral Commission ofNamibia. the of Director Ndjarakana, Moses Mr. o h lw ta wr apial in applicable Namibia before March were 1990. that laws the to for requirements said,referring laws,”Damaseb making formal the with complied it as long as scrutiny judicial to subject be not wouldlaw such and that is parliament could pass doctrine any law the it wanted of essence The omnipotent.laws make to power the themselves to arrogated who those sovereigntyparliamentary which made of doctrine so-called the by rendered toothless was which and judiciary legitimacy lacked independent [replica] an simulacrum of a was “There imposed onthepeopleofNamibia.” the colonial power – South Africa – and one’s chosen career; and laws of were made by pursuit and employment in to access equal opportunities services;equal social no no suffrage; adult no law;rights; universal human no for respect the before equality there no was Namibia, pre-independent In terms. in contradiction a is pre-independent Namibia a in democracy speak colonialism of to Therefore, of apartheid. is antithesis and very “Democracy the Damaseb: Added itself democratic,” Damaseb cautioned. Universal the in Declaration on Democracy cannot call out set principles and ethos the embody not does that features.common view,my state “In a democracy,shared democracies all that of observing model single no was International Assembly “correctly”therethat noted General UN the the Democracy, of Day declaring that when explained President Judge The or renewedor people.fromthe mandate original but seeking process farce, and competitive authentic an a be instead to be have cannot democracy elections a In constitution. the in guaranteed is that right political and civil basic a the is vote democracy to right people’s functional a under liking.Therefore, their of government a choose people the that citizens all to open elections fair and freeregular did not make democracy. “It is through of alone elections that argued occasion, Commission same Electoral the at [ECN],speaking Namibia the of Director the Ndjarakana, Moses Mr. explained Judge President Damaseb. law, the of breach in are they policy unless government second-guess to or lawsmake to there not are courts the and government, of arm the each of that recognises constitution has delineated boundaries judiciary the powers, of separation the of view In independent exists to judiciary review their actions. an so, law. do to the fail they and If constitution the with comply to requiredare legislature the and executive the both Namibia day present-old,the in of Namibia Unlike pass and the governance of the country. they laws the to legitimacy gives That country. this of people the by freely chosen executive an and legislature a Rights.of Bill Today,of boasts Namibia justiciable a contains that constitution to representatives; a their right choose freely peoples’ political the and ordains pluralism that a representatives; constitution political chosen peoples’ the by adopted constitution [national] a Namibia autochthonous adopted sovereign, when and statehood changed attained that All himn f h Nmba o-oenetl raiain Frm M. Ronny Mr. Forum, Organisations Non-Governmental Dempers. Namibia the of Chairman • democratic, others, thefollowing: out,among accountable”,pointed and more representative,transparent accessible, Parliament Namibian the make can we “how on contributing Dempers, Mr. citizens”. and Parliament interface of Members an between and allowed it continued as be sustained to needs which programme, describing it as an “innovative initiative outreach parliament’s (Nangof),Dempers,Ronny Mr praised Forum Organisations Governmental Non- Namibia the of Chairman The their safeguard rights,” to saidthechiefofECN. designed is that system political the the have of also responsibility they but rights, have citizens do only not democracy a In • parliament more democratic; waysmakecan throughwethe which towns),main onlyin (not the of one is hearings public more of conduct and the Parliamentary Standing Committee • unhealthyvery situation; a is subservient as Council National the see to appears that practices the • with thecitizens; and more a have structured space on how they interact should parliament Members of transparency. enhance to parliament of activities and works of h aiiy f alaet o ly its play to oversight role more effectively. parliament of ability the compromises parliament in executive • the concept; towards obstacle parliament aspirations of the people’s government an into come remains MPs which

Str Allo Str The Par n dmnne f the of dominance ong nte te okns of workings the engthen y it ytm through systems list ty mr mda coverage media more w perception and some of some and perception Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 13

ParliamentJournal Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 ParliamentJournal 14 Omusati RegionalGovernor, Hon. Sackey Kayone. for apply to 2008 September 20 registration as War to Veterans. 16 from administration building Council National the to flocked others and liberation of Namibia’s war in fighters former of Thousands and evaluation inorder toimprove monitoring ontheirperformances. decisions on and system Committees Council’s Sackey National Governorthe of experience the from learn Regional to Kayone,came by led councillors, The 2008. October 21 on Kapere Hon.Council,Asser National the of Chairman the on call courtesy a paid who Council Regional Omusati the from delegation 11-man an of photo group A EVENTS ATEVENTS PARLIAMENT PICTURES IN n 1 oebr 08 o nac te iaea relations bilateral between thetwoministries. the enhance to 2008 November (MOU) 21 Understanding on of Memorandum a signed of Algeria that and Affairs Veterans for Ministry Namibia’s 2008. Council,National the of Hon. November 19 on Kapere Asser Mohamed Cherif Abbas paid a call courtesy on the Chairman The forMinister Algerian Veterans {Moudjahidine}, Affairs Mr. on theoperations ofthecorporation. and the less impact that the current global financial crisis has position financial Namdeb,its of a future the on presentation made delegation three-person 2008.The November on 4 Kapere Asser Hon. Council, National the the of on Chairman call courtesy a paid Zaamwani-Kamwi, Inge Mrs. Corporation, Diamond Namdeb of Director Managing The tn a teWnhe Idsra ad giutrl Show Agricultural 2008. and Industrial Windhoek the at Stand Exhibition Parliament the to flocked visitors of Thousands finding missionto Namibia. of the National Assembly, Hon. Doreen Sioka while on a fact- Commission call who on paid a the courtesy Deputy Speaker Service Assembly National Nigerian the of Commissioners CPA Secretary-General, Dr. William Shija(left). Assembly National Hon. Doreen Sioka (right) exchanges gifts with the of Speaker Deputy EVENTS ATEVENTS PARLIAMENT PICTURES IN courtesy call on Prime MinisterNahas callonPrime courtesy Angula. a paid right) (far Herminie Patrick Speaker, Hon. Seychellois The Parliament ofNamibia on 16October2008. Namibia through the Centre for Global Education, visited the fromthe Students College,Augsburg USA,of tour study a on himn f h Ntoa Cucl Hon.Secretary-General, Dr. Council,William Shija(right). CPA with gifts National exchanges (left) Kapere Asser the of Chairman Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 15

ParliamentJournal Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 ParliamentJournal 16 iaiiy n aii i rgltd by regulated is Namibia in Disability relevant UNinstruments. the under obligations reporting with of compliance rights in disabilities with human people the fully cover to disabilities.with Governmentsurges It people by rights those of enjoyment the relevant instruments to ensure the full under States commitments their of with compliance to the bodies monitor monitoring treaty rights The OHCHR is encouraging all human MinisterNahas Prime Angula. the PrimeMinisterreads asfollowing: with disabilities. The abridged speech of people of rights human on documents working possessed which Committee Experts Disability coordinatingNations United the was (OHCHR) Rights Human for Commissioner High the of Office UN added,the he issue, rights not stationed at one stage”. just are they As develops,a also human disability issue categorised of issues develop, developmental the we “as because a Minister as disability Prime The on 22October2008. Windhoek in Parliament of Members for Handbook Disability the of launch official the at Angula Nahas Minister Prime by made was observation This human rights and a cross-cutting issue. developmental, become has Disability DISABILITY ADEVELOPMENTALDISABILITY ISSUE, SAYS PRIME MINISTER • of Members Parliament have: the and unit disability the NFPDN, the with cooperation In levels. international and regional,continental national,at disabilities with many people for opportunities in unit equal on participated deliberations The actively (NFPDN). has Namibia in National the Disabilities with People Minister of Federation with Prime consultation under the in of established Office been the has disability unit a (1999-2009), Disabilities with Persons for Decade African the for Action of Plan the of result a As exceeding four years orboth. 000; or imprisonment for a period not statement is a fine not exceeding false N$16 for penalty Council.The the by requested as institutions other from or Ministries from report annual an it be – Council the to statement false the penalties for any person who gives are the Act in disabilities with people for measures empowering other The society.into integration their or rights their to related matters in disabilities with persons to advice legal provides the disabilities before any organ of with the people State; represents others, Disability; on Council Policy National the among of implementation Disability monitors, National The meet theirexpectations. their needs as we of think. Rather, disabilities we ought to with people the our inform not should honour commitments.We and should We ratified approved. been had instruments 2005.international of and national These Disabilities with People of the Rights on Convention Nations United Disability Council Act of 2004, and the Persons National 2003,the of of Disabilities with Decade African the for Action of Plan Continental the 1998, of Act Action Affirmative the of 1997, Disability on Policy National the

Nations Go secur vernment toratifytheUnited ed approval from the Namibian Convention on the Rights the on Convention • • • statement of his new position said:position new “It his of statement Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, in his acceptance of theInter-Parliamentary Union, Hon. President and Assembly National the timely.predecessor,My Speakerof the results required most the achieve to plans and to programs, systems, requiredchange are actions Deliberate Resettlement. and Empowerment Economic Black as such programmes national the and Strategies Reduction Poverty MDGs, on reports and plans our within set be can targets Specific them. among with disabilities and eradicates It poverty the critical. ensures is equal opportunities for in people agenda development disability Mainstreaming • • • • • • •

of Persons withDisabilities; UN Convention; to Ondangwa. Namibia flightfr was r with disabilitiesinawheelchair r disability intheNDP3; incorporated asub-sectoron Char translated thePublicSer Disability de impairment duringelections; f established theBraille in allministries; designated DisabilityF Disabilities; African DecadeofP Continental Planof secur K (MDG) andDisabilityinNair Millennium De par activities, disabilities in par Faculty ofLa held discussionswithUNAM’ Univ opened adisabilityunitatthe expense of Ondangwa wasar transpor olders for use by people with visual esolved acasewhere aperson enya, inSeptember2008. veloped regional andmunicipal ticipated intheworkshop on tnership withthosepeople ersity ofNamibia(UNAM); ter intoBraille; ed approval andratifiedthe efused boarding an Air t from Windhoek to n codne ih the with accordance in Action Plans; Air Namibia; w toestablisha volved inhumanrights As aresult, road velopment Goals om Eros Airport ranged atthe Action for the ersons with Tactile Ballot ocal Persons vice obi, s ebr o te ainl eeain f epe ih iaiiis n aii who Namibia in Disabilities with of oftheDisability Handbook for Members attended theofficial launch Parliament. People of Federation National the of Members people that so convention the realise to others and and to parliamentarians assist aims promoting It the rights. in human protecting play and how they role work on focuses parliamentarians handbook The respect for theirdignity. promoting as well as disabilities with persons and all by rights freedoms fundamental human all of equal enjoyment and with full ensures Persons and protects of Rights Disabilities.promotes,convention The the on Convention Nations United the from actors.other derived is handbook The many and Union Inter-Parliamentary the Rights, for Human High for of the Commission of product Office handbook Nations a United is disability parliamentarians The of wishes people withdisabilities. the to respect in true be world.”the also changing can are This is the people really – and not us – who disabilities. with people of dignities and rights of protection the in tool useful a be will book This with disabilities. by the needs and aspirations of people informed are they that so manifestos parties’ political different developing urge you tousethistoolwhenwe are situations.I different any in it to refer of people with disabilities. You can now dignities and rights and the of protectionpromotion the in world entire the for tool useful a is handbook This convention intopractice. the translate to needed and frameworks mechanisms the in understanding parliaments assist and concerns, disability of appreciation the promote to provisions, its and convention the of awareness raise to seeks further It the equality. to exclusion achieve from transition could disabilities with young people”. to concern of are that issues selected and parties aroundideologies discuss to table one political different leaders from youth bring “to (Namibian) is forum together the of aim the The by organised Namibia Political Youth was Forum (NPYF). Own,” and – Relate Adapt,Youthto 2030 Aspire meeting,theme The the under “Vision Lodge Heja the outside Windhoek. at meeting annual second their attend to recently country met the around parties political representing leaders youth Namibian political affiliations,” saidSioka. national our our irrespectiveof and aboveinterest of good common the for together work to us fromrequire HIV/ unemployment,challenges poverty. “These and AIDS as youth the facing challenge biggest the described the National Assembly, of !Nawases- Hon. Doreen Sioka Speaker Party read Deputy the SWAPOTaeyele, Evelyn by statement behalf Parliamentarian opening her on an In the National Assembly. of Speaker Deputy Sioka, Doreen Hon. NAMIBIA POLITICAL POLITICAL NAMIBIA ANNUAL MEETING YOUTHS HOLD Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008

17

ParliamentJournal Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 ParliamentJournal 18 de, alaet a tkn note taken she had Equally, parliament enacted. added, Youth Bill National the Council see to wanted taking and seriously youth the was of needs the the parliament assured that Speakeryouths Deputy The the benefitofNamibian youth. to effectively and efficiently function as Political such YouthNamibia Forum,to the structures, its Youth and National Council the empowering before in way long a was go would Bill the enacted which Youth if said SpeakerParliament, Deputy the National Bill the Council to Referring Transformation,”she said. and in Development Participation for Charter African the in Union as well Youthas Charter African the This in reiterated also regulations. is view policies, and supportive programmes of creation or and/ existence the require also They stakeholders. all be of support the to need youth the endeavours,their all in successful they for that believe lives…Iyour shape will think you that is your democratic right to raise issues it country this of citizens as that you assure to want tackled.“I the are youth, affecting issues divergent which in forum a create to need the seeing for youth the commended Hon.Sioka Membership Membership of the Namibia Political Youth Forum is drawn from different political parties of different ideologies around the country. ior. h add ht h political the that added She bigotry. political our any before wellbeing peoples’ put can we that demonstration clear a is forum youth “political apathy”.This of accused are who youth the against stereotypes” and myths all “challenges it as Forum Youth the of establishment the praised Sioka Hon. way,” sheurged theyouth. legislative the process the all influence to take its course. You must be seen to you complacent make and just not wait for should parliament Parliament to submitted “The been has views. Bill the their that fact air and public hearings parliamentary attend should was imperative that the youth constituents it said, she light, this In Bill. the in contained issues pertinent the on nation the inform and papers position write it; about public by the Bill sensitizing the propagating of the forefront in be to youths the advised She of thegovernment,” shesaid. programme and policies the influence the youth, through the NYC, enable to better also will but institution, an as NYC the strengthened only not will Bill the that believeYouth Council.“I National the to funding in increase an had by accompanied be should enactment who its those that Bill Draft the from on commented calls the of and politicalchallengesfacing them. social economic, to relating issues on basis annual an on other each engage to youth parties political for of representatives platform a create to and knowledge- a based society envisioned of in foundation Vision 2030; a build to them enable to dialogue academic and research of culture the promote to leaders; youth Namibian amongst tolerance political of sense a instill to The general objectives for the NPYF is politics, democracy, technology, andgood governance. on globalisation, themselves economics, culture, health, education, pronounced the which they meeting, in declaration their a issued of NPYF end the At political intolerance,” any shesaid. a avoiding in plays role crucial tolerance that understand should people young Therefore,year next for scheduled to elections national leading campaigns party political in our to displayed extended be could Forum tolerance the the hope formulation.“I policy to contributions an with make to and dialogue youth for opportunity its provided forum the Seychelles. and Namibia between existed already that relations cordial the strengthen help would share visits such and said He ideas. exchange to of nature visits this and conduct to Namibia Seychelles likethe countries for important small as it describing visit, the at delight expressed Dr. Gurirab 3 October2008. to September 28 from visit official his during officials parliamentary ranking Dr.high other Gurirab,and Theo-Ben National Assembly,the of Speaker the with discussions National held nation’s He Assembly. island that from officials senior by accompanied was the at four-dayinvitation of country the Parliament of Namibia, the a in visit working on Herminie, Speaker what hehadseenandbeentold. country's he the fromconcluding system parliamentary saying with impressed as democracy, was Namibia thriving hailed a has Herminie Patrick Honourable Seychelles the of SpeakerThe National the of Assembly Patrick Herminie. Hon. Speaker, Seychellois The DEMOCRACY NAMIBIA’S HAILS SPEAKER SEYCHELLOIS diin o h fntos f the then Chairman of The functions House. Upper the in members, to addition Council Seychellois National of the procedureelectoral the on delegation briefed Hon. Kapere Kapere. Asser Hon. Council, National the of Chairman the on call Speaker Herminie also paid a courtesy of theearly 1930s. was Depression Great crunch the of reminiscent credit the that flu” adding gets world whole the sneezes, America of States United the “when said, Gurirab result, a As economy. States-led United the within practiced was trade international including that fact given the – Seychelles – the and Namibia severely economies small affect did woes financial States’ United countries,the respective their from away although far was States United the that concurred two Speakers world.The States the of United rest the and the in experienced economics, being crunch credit the international to referring of state current the over concern expressed Herminie and Gurirab Speaker Both respective their people. successful to about developments bring to disposal their at platforms the all utilise must Pan- the countries African and two Parliament,the African Nations Southern United (SADC),the the Community Development as bodies such intergovernmental of member as states that maintains Gurirab Chairman, Hon. Asser Kapere. Seychellois Speaker, Hon. Patrick Herminie (left) exchanging gifts with National Council experience to strengthen his country’s Namibian the utilise to intended and four-dayhis during country the stayin Herminie appreciated what he learned represented at the were district women level. Seychellois Speaker of majority the that added visible He executive. less the in and councilors as level government local the at represented were women many Seychelles in said that Herminie Speaker part, his On and other culturalandtraditionalrules. men by oppressed jointly women were of percentagerepresentation to the fact that women lower the attributed Kapere Hon. percent. 26 Council’s National representation, the to female compared has percent Assembly 30 National the where two Namibia of Parliament the the of houses in the representation highlighted gender Kapere Chairman (CPA) meetings. Association Commonwealth and Parliamentary Inter-Parliamentary (IPU) Union during issues parliamentary to pertaining decisions on other two each supporting been have the Parliaments. betweenAlready the two countries collaboration similar be much haveeasier to resolve and enhance Seychelles problems which, if the tackled jointly, would and Kapere,to Namibia of Parliaments the According democracy. strengthen to necessary were exchanges such that stressed He Namibia. of Parliament thanked the Seychellois for visiting the Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 19

ParliamentJournal Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 ParliamentJournal 20 SD) n te Commonwealth the Parliamentary Association (CPA). and Community (SADC) Development Southern African the Countries), Speaking French of Union (the Francophonie La (IOC), the Commission Ocean of Indian member a is Seychelles The year term. the National Assembly serve for a five- party.political each by of Members All received votes of percentage the to proportionally,areallocated according by directlyvote.popular remainingThe elected seats nine are 25 members, which 34 of of consists Assembly five every areheld years. Assembly National The National the of Members adopted on 18 June 1993. Elections for creation of the National Assembly, was the for provides which Constitution, 1993, country.that The in democracy party multi- of in introduction the following established Parliament unicameral a has inhabitants, of 000 80 population a and km of square area 404 land a with Seychelles, The Polishing and Company in Windhoek. Cutting LLD Diamond the and Breweries Namibia visits to exposure also had delegation Seychellois The Namibia’s Assembly. of National Speaker founding the Dr.late Mosé Tjitendero,the of grave national the at wreath Acre a laid he where Heroesshrine the visited also He Hausiku. Marco Hon.Affairs, Foreign of Minister the Shikongo;and of Mathew Windhoek,Councilor City the of Mayor the the Shaningwa; Sophia with met Region,Khomas the Governorof Mrs. Herminie Speaker During his four-day stay in the country, needed. was visit his to similar exposure said National Assembly,the of committees standing met parliamentary also various with who people.” Herminie, the Speaker to parliament “taking of role constitutional their assuming fully in behind lagged legislature her independence,of system,history longer a had committee Seychelles the although that stressing Namibia’s of was impressedparticularly with Parliament Herminie Speaker legislature. and innovation aspects of important important of aspects technology innovation and science, the address to required increasingly are Parliaments was workshop because essential the of “Members African of holding The better results yield for African development. would that research technology extensive conduct to and expertise the utilise science and study to Africans urged He reduction. poverty play in sustained economic growth and to role crucial a had technology and science that observed He addressed. a way through which poverty could be as technology and science for support expressed Ssekandi, Edward Hon.Rt. Parliament, Ugandan the of Speaker the workshop, the opening Officially September to 26 2008. to Kampala, 22 from in science Uganda, held Namibia, communicating parliamentarians on including workshop training five-day a attended African thirteen countries, from Participants Participants atthetrainingParticipants workshop oncommunicating sciencetoparliamentarians. WORKSHOP OPENS SCIENCE SPEAKER UGANDAN n dvlpet n vr society. every in development and growth of underpinning fundamental the remained has and nature and man between mediates elsewhere.Science training of in both gained be not could and Africa type this of importance said:“The participants addressed also Uganda, His Excellency F. to M. Commissioner Ayogu High who Nigerian The accessible andeasily understood. readilyare that forms in policymakers to information technical and scientific communicate effectively to required skills develop participants help to was workshop the of focus primary The to parliamentariansandviceversa.” effectively knowledge technical other and scientific communicate to needed likely to lack some of the relevant skills are background, they scientific a from come staff few as and policymakers.“But technologies new of scientists, producers between communication the in “middlemen” as act therefore, staffs, Parliamentary governments. of scrutiny effective out carrying in and for informal debate need on proposed new laws they information the with on parliamentary staff to provide them extent,large relied,a Parliament to of According to the organisers, Members security,” food according to the workshop and organisers. agriculture infrastructure,diseases,ICT infectious change, climate as such issues, policy and responsibilities. parliamentary work in order their to strengthen their role of conduct the in Parliament of to Members new assist designed post- are CPA seminars 2007. elections February 17 on country that in held elections general the September, following the 17-19 from for seminar Kingdom’sthe of Members Parliament post-elections a Lesotho,in Dr.While conducted Shija September 2008. the by in Association issued 14 on Windhoek release press a in announced was Tanzania. This and Mozambique the Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, visited he toured which during 2008 September 27 15- William from Shija Region Africa Association’s Dr. Parliamentary Ferdinand the (CPA) Association of Commonwealth Secretary-General The ht h cneune o te above the of consequences the that He added said. he approach,” one-size- fits-all and knowledge imported assumptions, on based implemented manyaredecisions policy reached and content.practical no that is result The or little with enterprise academic lives. an their shaped “Science in Africa is often construed as completely that decisions seemed detached from those argued,who took critical he and African scientists. African scientists, MPs betweenAfrican gap huge a was Mr. Ayogutherepractice in addedthat different linesofaction”. gains, for the risks, the impact and consequences of predicting and and problems weighing of and definitions analyses thorough for required categories, standards, theories, evaluations and descriptions scientific with that them provide to scientists said need “MPs architect, and engineer trained a Ayogu, Commissioner High which to they know anddoscience”. extent critically the is on dependent people any of strength and progress the that shows History CPA SECRETARY-GENERAL REGION TOURS AFRICA ot alaet ta atne the attended that parliaments most During discussions, it became clear that MP’s understanding of the information. to this information a note showing the attach should staff parliamentary the necessary, Where it. understand and read to patience the have could MP the which in form a to reduced was the that anMP reaching information standard,scientific and to the substance was compromising MP without ensure, an of peculiar the circumstances understood who staff parliamentary a of duty the said He to develop sciencebasedpolicies. nature of support that the MPs needed the as well as MPs their of levels skill and education the understand to staff therefore, the duty of the parliamentary analysis.was,rational It and logical for skills basic than ones less with educated others and of bag mixed a was parliament Ayogu Mr. to According projects littered across Africa”. abandoned and policies failed of array inan expressions concrete their find “they as monumental were practices CPA Secretary-General, Dr. William Shija rcia eecss n discussion and sessions. exercises practical lectures,of combination policy,a with science and communication science of fields the in experts were Presenters (SciDev.Net). Network Development and Science the (ATPS)and Network Studies PolicyTechnology African the of Science and Technology (UK-POST), Office Parliamentary Kingdom United the by organised was workshop The perceived tobedifficult. are or them identify the to unable were during decision-makers the ignored as deliberations been noticed had be or not and might science technology of issues some parliaments, in that observed Participants the policies. best scienceandtechnology of pursuit the in initiatives to take also but executive, the of advice the on much too depend to parliaments only not such for easier it made science.of with issues committees said The properly deal decision-makers employed scientists as staff to help the had and Technology and Science on Committees Standing had workshop h Aeia ad h Alni, India, Atlantic, the and Americas the Asia, Caribbean,Australia,Canada,the regions nine of the CPA. the Other regions are among largest the is Africa national, took aTanzanian office on 1 were January 2007. Shija, Dr. since first Mozambique the and Botswana assist and the Association. Namibia,to visits The advise to workstrengtheningof the in branches is constitutional General major CPASecretary- the the of responsibilities of One parliamentary media. the and parliament Orders, and committees, Standing House, the in procedure and practice and the judiciary, women in parliament, executivelegislature, the the between relationshipMPs, the of accountability and ethics democracy, parliamentary CPA, the of work Lesotho the were: seminar the at covered topics The Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 21

ParliamentJournal Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 ParliamentJournal 22 WOMEN AGAINST VIOLENCE TOPLEDGE END PARLIAMENTS needs to be addressed as a matter of matter a as addressed be to needs which reality unacceptable this against mobilised and committed be to have rights and parliamentary agenda. We all major a issue on the international remains human women against “Violence to Violence against Women’ campaign. for Fund Women’s(UNIFEM) ‘SayNO up to the United Nations Development signed ending Gurirab priority. international make to womenagainst and violence national a pledged they Geneva as in Assembly IPU 119th the at parliamentarians other of voice those to his added Gurirab, Theo-Ben Dr. (IPU), Union the Inter-Parliamentary of President elected newly The Conference in2009. the Parliamentary host Commonwealth to 55th expected 2007. is August Tanzania in Kuala Malaysia, in Lumpur, held Conference 54th the particularly events, annual CPA’s on the information providing visited as well he as countries the party of political leaders and government on calls courtesy paid also He staff. and leaders, parliamentary MPs with views exchanged Dr.Mozambique,Shija and During his visits to Namibia, Botswana an and state estimated 16000-strong membership. branches and national parliamentary 170 Mediterranean. has the CPA and Kingdom Pacific,the East South Asia, United the NEWS FROM THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION General, Dr.Secretary- CPA with William Shija(left).Sioka Doreen Hon. Assembly National the of Speaker Deputy h IU i adto t Sekr of Speakers of to addition President in IPU, the outgoing the Casini, the signed campaign, including countries Mr. Pier 70 Ferdinando over from More than 200 Members of Parliament of Namibia. National Assembly the of Speaker the priority.”said IPU President Gurirab, a who is also becomes tragedy this to end an putting that suremake can we - women and men world. - Together the of leaders political the by urgency Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab Kidman. well- of numberknown figures, including actress a Nicole by supported campaign is Women against Violence to NO SayUNIFEM’s 2008. February Nations in Against Women,Violence launched United End to Campaign Secretary-General’s the perspective, parliamentary the from complement, to serves national undertaking to a This priority. end women against an violence making in parliaments a three- supporting at aimed launched programme year and field this in action up step to pledged has IPU The advocacy efforts. respective their national parliaments and in in their public IPU, cause the the within champion to agreed and campaign the signed Parliamentarians Women of Committee Coordinating its of members the all when IPU the from boost a received initiative The South Africa. and Philippines New the Zealand, Lesotho, Indonesia, countries, including several from Parliament RIGHTS HUMAN OF DECLARATION UNIVERSAL OF ANNIVERSARY 60TH people many of lives the extended ARV and improved affordable has which of treatment, provision The access toantiretroviral (ARV) drugs". with HIV, only one third of whom have living are people million Thirty-three to people who desperately need them. treatment and drugs get to done be to had “more that said Gurirab, Ben Inter- the Dr. (IPU), Theo- of Union Parliamentary President December the 1 2008, on Day AIDS World commemorate everywhere people As PARLIAMENTS LEGISLATE MUST TO PROVIDE ARVs MORE xet o hmn ihs issues. the analysed rights seminar the year, human This on experts opportunity international with views exchange an to human committees parliamentary rights of members and chairpersons given have seminars human rights. Since 2004 protect the IPU yearly and promote IPU’s to parliaments the of capacity of the strengthen to part efforts is seminar The and Treaties DivisionattheOHCHR. Director of the Human Rights Council Parliament, and Mr. Bacre Waly Ndiaye, and Hellenic the Committee of Second Vice-President Executive of IPU the Vice-President Elissavet Ms. Papademetriou, by opened was event seminar experts.The international with the along attended national 50 parliaments some from Legislators Rights, sixtyyears afteritsadoption. Human of Declaration Universal the achievementsthe on of challenges and seminar three-day a held (OHCHR) High Commissioner for Human Rights Nations United the of Office the and (IPU) Union Inter-Parliamentary The seminar for African parliaments to be to parliaments for African seminar Cape training Town,in IPU next an at up taken be will ago.It year one held Global HIV/AIDS first on the Meeting Parliamentary of agenda high the it on placed which HIV/AIDS, on Group Advisory IPU the by being pursued themes key the of one also is It policy. enlightened for framework the which in field, legislator cando much tosettheright complex a is It regulations. trade and law, property that subject encompasses human rights, intellectual a is HIV, with infected human rights. Source: www.ipu.org of universality the of notion very the challenge to appear specificity cultural feel that increasing on claims for moreover,respect of strain Some, rights. a fundamental put has terrorism and crime against fight recently,Morethe wayside. the by fallen have particular reality. a in rights cultural become and Economic,social to human yet has for rights respect full resources, adequate and will political of absence sixty years have also shown that, in the along with these achievements, the last community.Yet, international the and governments national of on agenda firmly the issues them put rights and worldwide increased human gave to Rights legitimacy Declaration Human Nations on United The human rights. of protection and promotion the to challenges to effectively respond can parliaments which in ways pinpoint to Universal Declaration.help addition,should In it the of up adoption rights the set since been has human which framework legal international Source: www.ipu.org the response toHIVand AIDS. in issues specific on guidance for turn may staff their and legislators to which book reference a and leadership UNDP, and parliamentary for call a both is UNAIDS with jointly produced and AIDS.HIV against Handbook,This entitled Parliamentarians Takingaction forHandbook a published has IPU the In order to encourage legislators to act, Africa, 2009. inlateJanuary held at the National Assembly of South Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 23

ParliamentJournal Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 ParliamentJournal 24 eiltr. oee, h mjrt of majority However, the legislators. highly and experts and constitutional by valued well-known is process democratic the in committees select by done work the of importance The facing theCommittee. challenges the and of mandate the on focussed discussion Husselmann.The Assembly, Mr. Petrus National the to Counsel Legal the and Katepe Justina Ms. Committee, by the of attended Secretary the also was meeting The Horn. Nico Prof. and Amoo Mr. Sam Prof.werePisani, academics du Andre UNAM three The of 2008. end September the Sanlam at at Windhoek in in Centre meeting offices foundation‘s historic the a Foundation facilitated Adenauer Kasingo, Konrad Loide the Hon. and Affairs, Legal Constitutional on National Committee the of Assembly ChairpersonoftheStanding initiative the On Parliament. solid laid with newpartnership foundationfora have (KAS) Foundation (UNAM) Konradthe and LawFaculty Adenauer Namibia of on University the from academics Assembly, Committee National Standing the Legal of and Affairs Constitutional The by Prof. NicoHorn, UNAM FOR PARTNERSHIP FOUNDATIONSOLID ASSEMBLY LAYS NATIONAL Round tablediscussionsbetweentheNational Assembly, academicsandKAS. UNAM

how can parliamentarians who are not responsiblewords,a other In manner? in executingmandate in its committee the assist people) practical very not simple: how can the academics (usually was meeting first the of question The of theNamibianconstitutionalhistory. creating are and traditions and along writing the first chapters go learning they are as democracy young the Namibian of parliamentarians The Standing beforethem.decades for Committees on served who of colleagues expertise the and advice on rely cannot they democracies, old And, lawyers.unlike not are members the rfig Cntttoa Lw the Legislation Law; Law; Constitutional Administrative Drafting; Criminal of Law; consists which Legal curriculum a Drafting.proposed They and support Constitutionalism in and staff Parliamentarians for programme certificate a introduce three-month will Law of Faculty the academics came up the with two proposals: National Assembly. and the at UNAM The academics later weeks two Committee Standing UNAM the A second meeting took place between legal the in environment Parliament. andtoserve ground their stand them to enable and would skills that knowledge with staff and parliamentary Parliamentarians the equip and to requested come up with were programmes to academics empower The Bills inameaningfulmanner? Parliamentary the with deal lawyers eorc ad h subsequent the constitutional and a in democracy Parliament of functioning the on Nghiishililwa Fritz Mr. by paper the society; democratic on a in Pisani Committees Standing of role du the Andre Prof. of paper thought-provoking the Gurirab; Ben Dr.Theo- Hon. statesman, acclaimed National the and Assemblyof Speaker the by address opening the included workshop the of highlights many The responsible legal a environment. a in manner trustworthy in and functions their execute to tools some their and of mandate understanding clear a with Midgard left parliamentarians the that facilitators of the workshop made sure and committee.organizers the The of demands will be placed year,high on election be the will shoulders 2009 Since for thefuture. necessary co-operation the and Parliamentarians and academics the between the trust of secondly, and thirdly, the creation of relationships 2009; for programmes academics; of preparation and and workshops committee the between interaction future regular threefold: was firstly, Estate, a trial run of hopefully Country Midgard the at held workshop, the of purpose The them andtheacademics. between relationship working foundation the for the lay to November in academics the with workshop a fund) Konrad the Adenauer Foundation to facilitate (and The requested members. sitting committee of skills knowledge their the and expand for to to and members task new workshops prepare second regular a made proposal: committee the of members the discussions the During building ifdeemednecessary. can even Courses be presented Parliament. in the and Parliament Faculty the between upon agreed year academic the during can time any at course presented be The Students. Law for English added Office Registrar’s the while Law Customary and Statutes of subjects:additional Interpretationtwo suggested members committee Law.The Rights Human and Democracy Constitutional a in Parliament of Role a brainstorming workshop where the where workshop brainstorming a well be would prepare to way One be year. election the in role should its for prepared Committee the Act: Electoral Review andCriminality. Parliamentary Act, the Courts Constitution, the Community the Act, Electoral the topical as such Committee, the regular to interest of matters have on workshops to resolved Workshops: Topical skills beincludedintheprogramme. lobbying and writing report drafting, that suggested also She training. the Standing from other benefit also Parliamentarians, would Committees of all members for since open be Kasingo proposed Hon.that the programme elections. the the after to committee return present not the would of members some in if even already 2008, implemented certificate be the course that Course: recommended Certificate the made following recommendations: meeting the democracy, young a in legislators excellent be to the the and endeavourits in beforeCommittee the assist practical become day, to challenged academics last Parliamentarians the On ahead, tomentionbutafew. road issues; the on discussions lively the and constitutional on discussion UNAM. at Law of Faculty the of Horn,Prof.Dean Legal Affairs;Nico and and Constitutional on Committee Standing Assembly National the of Chairperson Kasingo, Loide Hon. RepresentativeKAS; of Hon. Dr. Theo-Ben Gurirab, Speaker of the National Assembly; MP,right:National Assembly to Hon.TommyLeft Nambahu; Dr. Bösl,Resident Anton t a are that agreed was it h meeting the t was it crime, wasenvisaged. and poverty between to relationship the attention special with crime, for reasons the to move on forward.workshop A how on solutions find and happens whyreasonsit the forsearch on how crime can be punished but also concentrate only not should one that Criminality: to an “own” Act ofParliament. lead could had. This this impact what Parliament has done and what it has the neglected and what It include Committee. should the of effectiveness the on done,concentrating be should review parliamentary a that emerged Review: Parliamentary people atthegrassroot level. and colleagues their both educate to position a in be to wanted members it forms the foundation since of their work. Constitution, The Namibian the on workshop intensive an requested Constitution: The fromother countriessuchasBotswana. examples consider to is study this in Included Community legislation. relevant the the to relates it of as especially Courts, position the crucial for the Committee to consider Act: Courts Community analysed. and discussed be could Act Electoral it was further pointed out pointed further was it h Committee the suggestion a t ol be would it oni ad einl onis to Councils; Regional National and Council between coordination of importance the emphasise core to National values; and vision the mandate, Council‘s about stakeholders sensitise to expectations; and stakeholders‘ needs identify and re-affirm to was conference stakeholders’ the arranging behind motivation the light, receives and stakeholders.this its fromIn feedback it with when communicates served is communication open and good transparency that governance, believes institution The effectively andefficiently. mandate its deliver to institution supports the which sustainability builds they that that environment in enabling an value create add and stakeholders vital is from received Inputs institution. long- the of an the deems effectiveness term for as insurance Council important consultation National stakeholders The should include. their garner perspective on what the Strategic Plan to objective the with Councils Town and Authorities Local the Councils, Among Regional were stakeholders Council. of National stakeholders to the all was together planning bring strategic this of stages the of One developed. were which issues,strategic objectivesand from themes analysis situational aresult a is a of over and years spans five of period Plan Strategic The Foundation (KAS). in Planning Strategic partnership with the Konrad of Adenauer process a upon embarked Secretariat National the Council that reason this for is It exception. no is Council National light,the this In goals. operational its are to move in a certain direction to reach strategies important for any organisation seeking planning Effective CONSULTATION STAKEHOLDERS CONCLUDES COUNCIL Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 25

ParliamentJournal Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 ParliamentJournal 26 Chief Regional Officer of the Otjozondjupa Region Mr. D. Region Kazombiaze, welcomingremarks. delivering Otjozondjupa the of Officer Regional Chief Committee Planning Strategic the members of as consultative fully respective were their conferences the addition, In regions. in the of deliberations opening the with entrusted thirteen Governors Regional the the regions,with all in They conducted stakeholders. were the from best input the obtain to designed format interactive an took conferences The fromand support stakeholders. Strategic the Plan by ensuring commitment of implementation successful chances of the increase to and years; stakeholders the institution’s future for the next five greater satisfaction by involving ensure them in shaping to Council decisions; quality make National to Secretariat the guide that input would quality of range a gather in oneofthesessions. Otjiwarongo The brainstorming representativesTown Council te cnen wl b considered, taking into account be the mandate of the will concerns other and limited.These been had process making law the in participation their level.regional the Thus,at discussions for Bills the table not did regions the representedwho Parliamentarians the as input their give not could Councils The review.stakeholders opinion was that Regional for Council National the to refers Assembly National the the One lack of was consultations on the Bills which raised Council. repeatedly National concern were the expectations from and needs real their what on opinions their voice to The participants were fully encouraged conference questions the participants. answer from emanating to attended presenting group expectations in a plenary session. presenting group expectationsinaplenary Municipality Otjiwarongo the from Kuteeue Mr.Petros Region. Oshana the of Governor Kashuupulwa Clemens Hon. expectations ofitsstakeholders. the of spectrum full the of aware be should it operations, its improve to Council National the for light, this In and address issues of regional concern. capacity of the MPs to better represent Council the increase to more do to needs still National the that, Despite only not worthwhile butalsoimportant. exercise the overwhelming, made which and beneficial were stakeholders the fromreceived inputs and responses institution.The the of business the influencing and affecting players role many the are contrary,there On vacuum. a Council in exist National not does the that fact the to points consultation Stakeholders National Council. f ht onr’ Peiet Jakaya President Mrisho Kikwete. country’s that of behalf on (AICC) Centre Conference International Arusha Hall, Simba the the at 2008 opened November 25 on officially Assembly (MP) Mizengo Pinda Hon. Right Minister Zimbabwe.Tanzanian Prime of Parliament the from to Mutsavangwa went Monica Hon. Treasurer of position the while Vice-Chairperson elected was were who Tanzania of Makinda positions Hon.Anne new assumed who Other top office bearers of the Forum Committee Executive members totwo years. of term the limits Forum’sconstitution the of (aa) in Arusha,2008 Tanzania.(2) 9 Article November 27 on eight-daysummit its ended which Assembly Plenary 24th the at rotation on down stepped PF the Executive Committee (SADC-PF). of the SADC- Prince Dlamini assumed Forumthe post when Parliamentary SADC the of Chairperson new the is of Parliament the Swaziland Hon. Prince Guduza Dlamini of Speaker The COMMITTEE EXECUTIVE NEW IN SADC-PF USHERS nerto, ne-alaetr Co- and Inter-Parliamentary DevelopmentIntegration, Trade, committees namely: Standing Regional the and Committee Steering Committee, policy the Executivethe of discussing of members and organs level groups small parliamentarians in with November20 on started meeting The also inattendance. Swaziland, and Zambia,TanzaniaZimbabwe were Namibia, Africa, South Seychelles, Mozambique, Mauritius, Malawi, Democratic Lesotho, Congo, of Botswana,Republic Parliaments Angola, the of representing Parliamentary staff Several Parliament. one of Members 59 Speakers, and Speaker Deputy 12 drew Assembly year’s Forum. This the of Parliaments Parliament National 13 the of of each from (MPs) Members four of and body SADC-PF, policy-making comprises Presiding Officers supreme the is which Assembly, Plenary The the pandemic. combat to measures for calling population,”Pinda,Minister Prime said more than 60 percent of AIDS infected population,haveto estimated is Africa world’sthe percentof over12 slightly this disease. Although itisinhabitedby by continent devastated and affected most the is that Africa doubt without is it data, available the to “According Model Law onHIVand AIDS. SADC-PF the of adoption the unanimous by underscored approach, right-based legal through sub-region across the curb pandemic AIDS to and HIV measuresthe concerted the were discussed topics related other Among history. organisation’s the in milestone a be will which Parliament SADC the of issues establishment outstanding steps towards as reviewed well as also taken summit The crisis, drought amongothers’’. energy xenophobia, climate change, disputes, floods and electoral the shortages,food region, notably SADC facing development sustainable to crises and challenges addressing in Parliamentarians of “Role theme the The 2008 SADC PF summit was under n Dvlpet nosd y the by endorsed Development and Gender on Protocol historic awaited long the welcomed and re-affirmed It the SADCregionalisation. of oversight the an for element essential SADC, of Parliament into Regional SADC-PF a the transforming of regional on and proposedagenda the on consultations national progress on-going noted the meeting The at variousstages. currencysingle a ultimately and Union Monetary Market, Customs Common Union, the include which SADC the of targets integration remaining the of implementation timely the for employment expressed their optimism and support delegates region.The and the in creation thus market,development larger a releasing potential for trade, economic create to expected is FTA of sub-region.The the integration towards milestone a as 2008 August in (FTA) TradeArea Free SADC inaugurated recently the welcomed also Parliamentarians The of thepeople. of democracy and undermined the will flourishing the impeded region,which the in disputes electoral rampant of culture in the region. This followed signs democratic a maintaining and peace of elections instruments for sustainability and Guidelines for Elections and other Principles the Elections, Democratic set the for Standards and by Norms SADC-PF’s abiding members its of importance the upheld meeting The an immediate ceasefire. for called and sub-region whole the in security and peace threatened The that summit the observed fighting civilians. of the deaths and stop parties displacement to rival mediation consider the to upon called and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) the in conflict concern on-going the with noted Assembly The and Gender Equality. Governance Regional Democratization, and Caucus Committee, Parliamentarians Women HIV/AIDS Development,Capacity and operation Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 27

ParliamentJournal Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 ParliamentJournal 28 ed n rsa Tnai, rm 20- from Tanzania, Arusha, in held Session Assembly Plenary 24th its At COMMUNIQUÉ ASSEMBLY’S SADC-PF PLENARY km. sq 8,000 about of area this conservation in and found diversity animals their in wild birds 40,000 about to home Crater, Volcanic Ngorongoro deep 600m world,the the of wonder eighth the toured also tourism.They and handcrafting in entrepreneurship in conducted activities Arusha,as such socio-economic of spots various visit The members.to opportunity the had of also delegates family one Forum’s become the to membership requirements constitutional the has met become country member. The 14th to the the Parliament for Seychelles Committee of Executive recommendationthe the endorsed Plenary the development, another In own circumstances andneeds. may its suit legislature to provisions adapt and select particular from wisdom a of which pool a providing legislatures, collectiveSADC the of experiences the on builds Law Model legislatures.The national of the authority usurping without rights, human international strategies, research and care treatment, prevention, in work legislative to known is what HIV-specific on based reforms, and their health redress to drafters, legislative and makers policy particular states,in member assisting at aims legislation of HIV and AIDS for the region. This piece saw the adoption of the Model Law on plenary the HIV/AIDS, the combating in efforts regional the to regard With and cabinets, by 2015. men and women, including parliaments all between in decision-making of positions parity gender 50-50 total providefor will development This 2008.landmark in August in held African Summit South Government SADC and the during State of Heads ald pn h Gvrmn of Government the 2008 upon called the Plenary country, the observe that in elections to SADC-PF invite to Zimbabwe of Government • sustain ademocraticculture. elections instruments, to promote and and Guidelines for Elections and other Principles the Elections, Democratic member- for Standards and Norms SADC-PF’s on the called with accordance democracy, in governments, Plenary of credibility the the and people the of will the undermine to potential the have in which region disputes the electoral of incidences • fraternity.the SADCparliamentary Government, join to decision their for Seychelles of people the and Speaker, Parliamentarians congratulated member parliaments to 14. The Plenary of Seychelles,number the the bringing Forum warmly welcomed and admitted • version 27 edited reads asfollowing: (SADC- on whose communiqué November a Forum issued PF) Community Parliamentary Development Southern the Africa 2008, November 27 • regional other crises andchallenges. and change climate poverty,fighting to commitment their raise to acknowledgedparliamentarians for need the Plenary the exacerbated poverty, has region the in crisis floods with energy current droughts,the and that faced periodically was region SADC the change, climate the • (EPAs) SADC Free Trade Area (FTA). Agreements negotiations and the recently launched Partnership and Economic EU-ACP ongoing AIDS,the HIV xenophobia, governance, change,scarcity,water trans-boundary energy crisis, the poverty and vulnerability, are climate These faced. region the challenges and crises various the on deliberated Plenary the SADC of agenda integration and development participation of parliamentarians in the the promotion of the role and effective

In The Noting Fur Noting accordance with its vision – hr acknowledging ther SADC Parliamentary Parliamentary SADC ht s rsl of result a as that h fiue f the of failure the • of observations programme. election sustainability Forum’s the the resources enhance internal to to more need the mobilize stressed Plenary the partners, cooperating from assistance • observations allow without hindrance. to Zimbabwe • Presidency. Gurirab’sSpeaker supporting to itself individually and collectively, committed Plenary, would The possible. been have election not historic this which without support their for of Forum the membership the to appreciation its extended Plenary (IPU),the Union the of Theo-Ben Office Inter- Parliamentary the of Presidency Dr. high the Hon. to Gurirab, Namibia, of National Assembly the of Speaker the cln u o te rvso o social of provision the the of up on scaling called Plenary the (RISDP), Plan Regional Development Strategic Indicative SADC’s of attainment the threaten further which shortages fuel recession manifested in global crises food,a of credit time and a and at faces region by the challenges multiple exacerbated the poverty growing and rampant the and (MDGs), Goals Development Millennium the meet to the of poorest regions one in the world not likely as recorded was Africa • the peopleofCongo andtheregion. of interest the in conflict the resolve parties through mediation the to earnestly concerned civilians, all urged strongly of Plenary displacement and which has resulted in the tragic deaths ofthe part Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) eastern the in conflict • Parliaments andCabinets, by 2015. decision-making,of including positions all in parity gender 50-50 at equality landmark total for provides which development this State for of Government and Heads the congratulated and appreciated Plenary the Summit, Development in August 2008 by SADC signing of the Protocol on Gender and

Applauding Whilst Ackno Obser W loig h historic the elcoming ig ih ocr the concern with ving wledging that Southern prcaig financial appreciating h eeto of election the sus sc a srie, competition, services, as such issues, indirect the Singapore detrimental rejectthe of inclusion to member-governments continue to Plenary encouraged the 2008, December 31 on expires which on deadline (EU), extended Union an European the states and (ACP) Pacific and Caribbean Agreements (EPAs) being negotiated by the African, Partnership Economic • in theoversight ofthewatersector. trans-boundary and governance, effectiveparticipation and management utilization, to water approaches regional of implementation and rigorous adoption the promotes Forum regard,the this security. In and peace the promotion of regional cooperation, for catalyst a therefore and resource the shared a as water viewing Africa, perception in the of change the conflicts encouraged Plenary major of source potential a be to forecast was • exporter.into anenergy region the turn region,also the but in deficit energy future and current the other and projects which would III) not only address (Phase Dam Inga the of potential untapped prioritise the in investing to on member-governments called Plenary the Furthermore, term. long and medium short, the in shortage power the resolve to regional levels and national at undertaken being measures the of (EMTF) Force Task Ministerial Energy SADC the by appraisal by the executive, in particular continuous demanded and sector the committed itself to greater oversight of region,the in crisis energy Plenary the • and investment regional cooperationinthissector. greater for called Plenary and the region, the in investment development region, threatening the thus across unscheduled outages and power shortage scheduled in experienced energy many being now serious is which a face would SADC 2007, by that forecast • and practical poverty alleviation strategy. viable a as vulnerable and poor the to cash direct including transfers

Recalling Noting Recalling A ae f h ongoing the of ware the seriousness of the ht ae scarcity water that ht s a rightly was as that ih slc ad dp poiin to provisions adapt legislature and select particular might a which from legislatures, providing a pool of wisdom collectiveother the of on experiences important benefit of An the Model of Law is legislatures. that it authority builds national the reform usurping legislative without of need in relevant areas the all address to drafters, policy makersparticular and legislative in member-states, assisting at aimed • other negotiations. EPAsby derailed anybe or allowedto SADC that be not agenda and Africa’sintegration reiterated Plenary the a single currency (2018). In this regard, adopting ultimately and Monetary (2016) Union (2015) Market (2010),Common Union Customs a becoming the as such of targets integration for remaining implementation support timely expressed the and August in 2008 launched Area Trade Free recently SADC the welcomed Plenary targets,the integration SADC • final EPA. the in agenda development clear a of member- encouraged inclusion the governmentson insist to Plenary the regard, this In (WTO). Organization the Worldof Tradelevel the at Doha and which in G90 the by rejected rights already were property procurement intellectual government • treatment, care andsupport. prevention, AIDS and HIV to diverse regard united in honouring human rights with their were systems, legal and backgrounds notwithstanding parliamentarians, that 24 reaffirming and on demonstrating Law thus 2008, November Model HIV/AIDS adopted the Plenary the development, SADC to threat poignant a remained • with aregionalizing SADC. tandem in oversight the regional requisite ensure to parliament regional a into SADC-PF the of transformation the for call its reiterated Plenary the (PAP), Parliament Pan-African the for block regional formidable a being as to integration deeper manifestedthe FTA in response andin to resolve

In The Noting In appreciation of the region’s codne ih the with accordance oe Lgsain is Legislation Model ht HIV/AIDS that • suit itsown circumstances andneeds. in Windhoek, Namibia, inMarch 2009. The next Plenary Assembly will be held MP Mwanamwambwa, (Zambia). K. Amusaa Speaker Hon. and Africa); (South MP Gurirab, Daniels, Pamela Hon. (Namibia); Theo-Ben MP Speaker Hon. Hon. (Mozambique);SpeakerChimango,Louis (Malawi);MP MP Acucena, Hlonepho Duarte Hon. (Lesotho); Hon. MP Ntsekhe, (DRC); Losembe Philippe Mario Speaker (Botswana); Deputy Hon. MP Mbaakanyi, Hon. Moggie (Angola); the MP Lourenço, João of Speaker Deputy Hon. Members are Executive additional The MP Mutsvangwa,(Zimbabwe) as Treasurer. Monica Hon. and Vice-Chairperson; as Makinda, (Tanzania) S. MP Hon. Anne Speaker Chairperson; Deputy as (Swaziland) MP Hon. Dlamini, Guduza being Prince Speaker bearers office elected duly the the with to Committee, Executive nominated were members Vice- and Treasurer.Chairperson Chairperson, Additional of positions the for elections held 24th Assembly Plenary the shall Thus, rotation”. and years by two retire of term a for the SADC- of office hold shall ExecutiveCommittee “Members the that provides of PF Constitution The in SADCmember-states parliaments. legislativeissues in directparticipation youth’s increasing and motivating at Parliamentary Caucus which would therefore aim Plenary Regional a Youthcreate to undertook The victims. or perpetrators as either affected most noted Plenary that the youth were the the region, the in unemployment and women,AIDS against xenophobia, violence crime, violence, election post • was liberation attained. African the through which pan-africanism and ubuntu of spirit the in cooperation and unity embrace to people its on called and condemned these unwarranted events Plenary region,the the in xenophobia

In Disa ih o te hlegs of challenges the of light ppointed by incidences of Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 29

ParliamentJournal Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 ParliamentJournal 30 2008 to concentrate on his party activities. 2008 toconcentrate onhisparty NovemberNational late the fromin Assembly COD President, Hon. Ben Ulenga, who resigned National Chief Shivute.PeterHon.succeeded the Justice Chilinda by 2008 of November 27 Member on Assembly a as was in (COD) sworn Democrats of Congress the of Chilinda,the Honourable Alfred Vice-President parliamentarian. Party the SWAPO the for conducted ceremony swearing-in Shivute year. Peter this Justice July Chief in died who Shihepo late Gabes the replacing 2008, September 16 on been has sworn in as Member of the Nashandi National Assembly Nickey Ambassador FROM THE CHAMBERS failing to disclose theirfinancialinterests. failing to disclose forbyCommittee the reprimanded been have councillors other Two Council. National the outside the and sittings of during Council” National image and dignity the “maintain to Council National the of Members all obliges 74 Article (4) Conduct.(a) of the Namibian of Constitution Code Council National the of 3 Chapter to Constitution,addition Namibian in Region,the contraveningof of 74 guilty Article for the Otavi Constituency in the Otjozondjupa National the Councillor Hon.Shangheta,the found of Council Members of Privileges on Committee Standing The 9 2008. from December effect with days consecutive seven for sittings Council National from suspended been has Shangheta Bartholomeus Councillor Assembly for Novemberelections scheduled 2009. National and Presidential preparation the in for work organisational his on party’s concentrate to 2008 November 21 from effect with Assembly National the from COD President, Hon. Ben Ulenga, has resigned Accounts. Public on Committee Standing the to Development and Community Social Resources, Human on Committee Standing the from Ms. Meroro has also been moved 2008. November 1 from effect with Assembly National the Clerk at Parliamentary Senior to Clerk Parliament from promoted been has Meroro Annelise Ms. in Ndjarakana October 2005. Moses Mr. Secretary former of resignation the following 2006 November 6 on Assembly National the to Secretary appointed was Nama 2008.Mr.October 9 from effect with Assembly National the to been relieved of his has duties as Secretary Goabab Nama Mr. Officer with effect from June from 2008. Information effect with Chief Officer Information to Officer from promoted been has Assembly National the from Kaukungua Ndahafa Ms. from 1September2008. effect with Controller Registry System to Chief been from has promoted Assembly the National from Frederick Johan Mr. year. from that position in October this Goabab Nama Mr. of relief the following position the in acting is Services, General for Director the 9 Jacobs, National Mr. 2008. from October effect the with Assembly to Secretary Acting- as Jacobs appointed been (Jakes) has Johannes Mr. STAFF THE MOVE ON t h Uiest o Namibia of inJunethisyear.(UNAM) University the at economics and science computer Platt completed his BSc Degree in with 2008.Mr.October 1 Services from effect System Computer and National Library of DirectorateAssembly’s as the at been Administrator has Platt appointed Arthur Mr. 2008. from 2007 January until October Stiftung the Ebert (FES) Friedrich by employed was Riruako Mr. Assembly, National the joining the as from effect 10 November 2008. Before with at Assembly appointed National Officer been Information has Kandinemo Riruako Brian Mr. from effect June2008. with the Assembly at National Officer from Information Officer Muuondjo to Information promoted Assistant been Michael has Mr. optr evcs t the effect from 1December2008. with at Assembly National Services and Computer Library of Director the to Secretary Private been as appointed has Haukena Tutu Mr. the Karas Region. Keetmanshoopat School High in Suiderlig the at teacher a was Christiaan Mr. and 2007 December 2007 February Between (UNAM). Namibia of University economics in June this year at the BSc and science computer in Degree his completed Christiaan with 2008.October Mr.1 from effect Services Computer and has National System Assembly’s DirectorateLibrary of the as at Christiaan Administrator appointed Jan been Mr. Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 31

ParliamentJournal Vol.6 No.3 September -December 2008 ParliamentJournal 32 with theHIV/AIDS. National Council Parliamentarians lighting candles in remembrance of those affected by or infected