Wenslus Murape
Sunday Mail Reporter
SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT Advocate Jacob Mudenda is in Livingstone, Zambia, where he is set to participate in the 56th Plenary Assembly Session of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF), which begins today.
The meeting, running under the theme “Leveraging Technology and Innovation for Smart, Inclusive and Responsive Parliaments in the SADC Region”, will focus on the modernisation of parliamentary processes through digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), in a bid to create democratic, inclusive and efficient governance systems in the region.
In statement yesterday, the Parliament of Zimbabwe said: “Advocate Mudenda’s attendance is particularly poignant as he was recently nominated by the Executive Committee of the SADC PF to serve as an institutional memory member in accordance with Article 12(3) of the SADC PF Constitution, highlighting his crucial role in providing continuity and strategic guidance in the operations of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, more so as it transforms into a regional SADC Parliament.”
Advocate Mudenda is a strong advocate of AI-driven parliamentary reforms and has championed the establishment of the proposed “Digital Technologies Committee of the Future” in the Parliament of Zimbabwe.
“The initiative underscores a commitment towards inclusivity, transparency and responsiveness, ensuring that the tripartite parliamentary roles of oversight, representation and legislation serve the evolving socio-economic needs of its citizenry in the 21st century,” reads the statement.
The regional indaba thus aims to chart a pathway for leveraging digital technology in order to build smart, inclusive, democratic and responsive parliaments in the region.”
During the meeting, Adv Mudenda, who also chairs the Strategic Lobby Group of Speakers on Transformation of the SADC PF, will deliver a tribute to Professor Peter Katjavivi, speaker of Namibia’s National Assembly, who is set to retire in March next year.
“Most notably, Adv Mudenda will also deliver the vote of thanks during the official opening ceremony, which will feature an address by the guest of honour, His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, of the Republic of Zambia.”
Zimbabwe, which is set to host the 57th SADC PF Plenary Assembly next year, is also being represented by legislators Maybe Mbohwa (the incoming member of the executive committee of the SADC PF), Chinhenza Chigwajara (Chief Matsiwo), Tendai Nyabani, Lynette Karenyi and Mercy Mugomo.
Online Reporter
