Namibian Parliament strengthens ties with KwaZulu-Natal Legislature
Image: KZN Legislature
Namibian Parliament's Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Sub-Branch visit to the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature marked an important step in reinforcing mutual support among Commonwealth parliaments in the Southern Africa region.
Lukas Sinimbo Muha, chairperson of the National Council of Namibia and regional representative of the CPA Southern Africa Sub-Region Executive Committee, led the delegation on Tuesday.
Nontembeko Boyce, the speaker of the KZN Legislature, said the visit formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen inter-parliamentary relations among CPA branches and foster regional collaboration in line with the CPA's strategic goals.
These include a strong focus on parliamentary democracy, gender representation through the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) network, and enhanced cooperation among sub-national legislatures, said Boyce.
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In his address, Muha highlighted the shared values between the Namibian Parliament and the KZN Legislature.
'The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature is a shining example of advancing the association's mission. Their commitment to gender equality and empowering women in parliamentary spaces is commendable and continues to inspire other branches in the region,' he said.
Muha said his mandate is to provide oversight on the implementation of CPA policy decisions and engage with branches to promote the CPA's core objectives.
'As regional representatives, we serve as a bridge between the region and the branches, ensuring their welfare and growth remain a top priority,' he said.
Boyce said the visit not only strengthens ties between the two CPA Sub-Branches but also provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on their progress and share best practices as part of a collective journey under the CPA umbrella.
'The visit marks yet another important step in reinforcing the spirit of unity and mutual support,' she said.
The KZN delegation visited the Namibian Parliament for a benchmarking exercise a few years ago, and the exercise was both beneficial and enlightening, said Dr Imran Keeka, MPL and DA KZN Legislature chief whip.
He regarded the CPA as an important organisation that not only strengthens inter-parliamentary relations and workings, but also helps to benchmark and improve the functioning of individual legislatures and parliaments.
'The province has been a beneficiary of the benchmarking programme through the association, and it makes our systems among the best in the country. Sister legislatures have subsequently visited our institution to benchmark and learn from our practices. For them to have chosen KZN for their visit is a testament to our work and the functionality of our legislature,' Keeka said.
'The work environment evolves sometimes quite rapidly, and the need to change and adapt is important to ensure solid, unashamed, and rigorous oversight. The interparliamentary visits provide a glimpse, and then, using the mechanisms and support of the association, they can achieve more. We are hopeful that the learning experience will benefit the Namibian people,' Keeka added.
zainul.dawood@inl.co.za
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