South Africa truly shined at the 58th SADC-PF meeting! They showed everyone how to lead with new ideas in their parliament and laws. They made smart plans for new tech, like AI, and wrote better laws to protect people from harm. South Africa also stood up for women and helped prisoners get back on their feet. They even pushed for better trade and stronger democracy for all in the SADC region. It was a powerful display of progress and working together for a brighter future!
South Africa, led by Speaker Ms Thoko Didiza, showcased significant advancements in parliamentary leadership, legislation, and accountability. Key contributions included pioneering an ethical National AI Policy Framework, reforming criminal and domestic violence laws, combating gender-based violence, implementing correctional services reforms, and championing regional economic integration and democratic strengthening.
On December 3, 2025, Durban played host to the 58th Plenary Assembly of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF). Distinguished delegates, including parliamentarians and regional leaders, came together to review advancements and set strategic priorities. South Africa, represented by National Assembly Speaker Ms Thoko Didiza, reported significant headway in fulfilling the mandates from previous assemblies and outlined robust reforms it has championed in parliamentary leadership, legislation, and accountability.
South Africa used this high-level platform to underline its commitment to pushing forward regional objectives, actively contributing to the ongoing transformation and integration of the SADC region. Speaker Didiza outlined the comprehensive measures her country has adopted, signaling determination to align national efforts with regional and continental ambitions.
Addressing the Plenary, Ms Didiza highlighted a range of initiatives undertaken since the prior assembly in Zimbabwe. She described South Africa’s approach as both proactive and inclusive, emphasizing integrated strategies that balance sustainable economic growth, social justice, and responsible governance. Collaboration across government sectors served as a cornerstone in pursuing these outcomes, with oversight and monitoring driving improvement and transparency at all levels.
A centerpiece of South Africa’s recent achievements is the rollout of the National Artificial Intelligence Policy Framework. This innovative strategy treats technology as a tool to serve society, not just industry or government. The framework places ethical innovation at its core, focusing on solving real-world problems such as expanding healthcare, streamlining public services, and driving urban development that benefits all segments of the population.
South Africa’s AI policy stands out for its emphasis on ethical data management, responsible use, and nurturing talent within government institutions. Adherence to international standards has earned the country recognition as a leader in responsible digital transformation. South Africa’s active role in international and continental technology forums further demonstrates its commitment to shaping a balanced and principled digital future for the region.
The country’s legislative landscape has also experienced noticeable change. In addition to AI-focused reform, parliament has advanced important amendments to criminal and domestic violence statutes. These efforts close protective loopholes and enhance the justice system’s ability to safeguard vulnerable populations. New laws reflect a deliberate, consultative process where community needs shape policy outcomes, and consistent parliamentary scrutiny ensures performance and progress remain on track.
Addressing gender issues remains a top priority for South Africa. Ms Didiza reaffirmed her nation’s focus on combating gender-based violence and femicide, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in this enduring challenge. Parliament’s oversight of police, justice, and social services involves scrutinizing both strategy and implementation, demanding accountability from every link in the system designed to protect women and children.
Parliament’s efforts have extended beyond legislative chambers, with community outreach, survivor support, and partnerships with civil society organizations forming a multilayered approach. Specialized groups within parliament continue to work on advancing women’s and children’s rights, often in collaboration with continental networks to share knowledge and drive collective empowerment.
Correctional services reform provides another example of South Africa’s recent progress. Upgrades to detention infrastructure have improved basic conditions for inmates, reflecting a broader commitment to human rights. Parliament’s continued oversight has resulted in innovative initiatives such as the reestablishment of the Department of Correctional Services’ bakery programme, furnishing inmates with practical skills and producing substantial cost savings for the system.
One of the standout interventions has been the implementation of the South African Bail Fund. This initiative supports detainees who lack the financial means for bail, a move that reduces prison overcrowding and bolsters social equity. Rehabilitation programs integrated into the corrections system ensure that inmates acquire valuable training, boosting their prospects for reintegration upon release.
These strategic choices underscore South Africa’s belief in restorative justice alongside robust law enforcement. Tailored programs for rehabilitation demonstrate the country’s holistic approach to criminal justice, prioritizing long-term outcomes over short-term expediency.
South Africa’s parliamentary focus extends to regional economic integration, where it continues to drive collaboration within SADC and in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Assembly in Durban provided a forum to debate and refine strategies around mineral beneficiation, trade facilitation, and regional industrial development – high-priority areas for fostering growth and job creation.
Efforts at the national level have been directed at optimizing resource extraction and value addition. By streamlining mining policies and backing downstream industries, South Africa seeks to retain more economic benefits domestically and support its workforce. Legislative committees closely monitor the impact of new tariffs and global market changes, ensuring that key sectors such as automotive production, agriculture, and mineral processing remain competitive.
In pursuing economic transformation, South Africa also advocates for harmonizing regulations, building shared value chains, and upholding environmental and labor standards at the regional level. The Assembly amplifies these messages, facilitating dialogue and consensus building to drive collective prosperity.
South Africa prides itself on democratic resilience, as demonstrated by its transparent processes for leadership succession and public engagement. Recent reforms have solidified participatory government, with expanded mechanisms for public consultations and enhanced safeguards for parliamentary whistleblowers.
A key item on the agenda has been the move to establish a permanent SADC Parliament. South Africa supports this evolution, actively preparing through public hearings and structured debates. Elevating the consultative SADC-PF to a legislative organ promises greater accountability, harmonization of laws, and stronger regional cooperation – crucial steps for the region’s collective future.
Security issues also command high attention. South Africa has taken a principled stance against lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS), participating in global efforts to prevent indiscriminate use of autonomous military technology. Through forums such as the UN Group of Governmental Experts and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the country champions ethical standards for emerging technologies and stresses the importance of safeguarding international human rights and humanitarian law.
Speaker Didiza voiced concern about reduced international funding for HIV/AIDS interventions, noting the adverse impacts on clinics and employment in the healthcare sector. Parliamentarians have answered by urging increased domestic investment, forging partnerships with the private sector, and piloting innovative financing models to maintain momentum in the battle against HIV/AIDS.
Youth participation features prominently in national and regional plans. South Africa underlined its objective to integrate more young leaders into parliamentary delegations, aiming to ensure that younger generations’ perspectives influence policy and that upcoming leaders have opportunities to develop key skills.
Sustainable policy progress depends on fostering new champions, and South Africa’s approach ensures that knowledge transfer, mentorship, and intergenerational dialogue form part of the parliamentary experience on both the national and SADC stages.
Efforts to make Parliament accessible and responsive have led to a surge in public outreach. Lawmakers have prioritized regular townhalls, organized tours, and maintained open forums where the public can contribute directly to legislative discussions. Figures such as Mr Songezo Siphiwo Zibi, a key member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, showcase South Africa’s dedication to openness and public scrutiny.
Building these bridges between legislators and citizens supports democracy and enhances the nation’s ability to adapt policy to emerging needs. Active community engagement ensures that Parliament both sets priorities and remains accountable for following through on them.
Regional cooperation benefits from this democratic ethos as well, as South Africa facilitates knowledge exchanges, legislative workshops, and targeted peer learning programs. Themes such as judicial independence, electoral reform, and anti-corruption strategies feature strongly in these collaborative settings, promoting best practice adoption throughout SADC.
The 58th SADC-PF Plenary Assembly in Durban has acted as a catalyst for reinforcing the region’s solidarity and joint resolve. With over 3,500 parliamentarians represented, the event has tackled pressing subjects including technological evolution, economic resilience, gender equality, public health, and human security.
Ongoing sessions through December 5 continue to refine shared solutions, paving the way for legislative reform, harmonized policy standards, and collective advocacy on the African continent and beyond. Stakeholders can access recordings of Speaker Didiza’s address and other resources online, and are encouraged to participate in Parliament’s community initiatives, tours, and debates to foster a vibrant democratic tradition.
To learn more or listen to Speaker Didiza’s report, visit the official Parliament link. Citizens can join in public debates, schedule a tour, or engage with lawmakers to shape the legislative agenda moving forward, ensuring that democracy remains active and inclusive for all South Africans.
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