Change starts with conversation—and this week, Parliament opens one that could reshape how Southern Africa tackles one of its greatest challenges: climate change. On Saturday, 29 November 2025, Parliament announced a special media briefing to share its vision and preparations for hosting the 58th Plenary Assembly of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF)—a five-day gathering where regional leaders will debate solutions that could define the next decade of policy action. But here’s where it gets interesting: the spotlight will fall on an often-overlooked subject—the gendered impact of climate change and how young people are shaping the fight for sustainability.
The event will be spearheaded by Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, who will be joined by Mr Siteny Thierry Randrianasoloniaiko, the President of the SADC PF and Speaker of the Parliament of Madagascar. Their joint address will set the tone for a series of discussions under the powerful theme: “The Impact of Climate Change on Women and Youth in the SADC Region and the Role of Parliaments in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.” Expect meaningful debates, ambitious strategies, and perhaps a few controversial opinions on how parliaments should lead the charge.
Kicking off tomorrow (Sunday), the 58th Plenary Assembly’s opening ceremony will feature a keynote address by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who is expected to outline national priorities and strengthen cooperation across the Southern African region. Many attendees believe his speech could signal a turning point for the region’s climate resilience agenda—but will it deliver real commitments or just diplomatic promises? That’s a question many will be listening for.
Media briefing details:
Date: Sunday, 30 November 2025
Time: 12:30 PM (or immediately after the opening ceremony)
Venue: Durban International Convention Centre, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Since its establishment in 1996, the SADC Parliamentary Forum has played a central role in uniting 15 member states to promote democracy, regional integration, and legislative harmony that supports development across Southern Africa. This 58th session promises to bring together not just lawmakers but also an inspiring mix of voices—from continental and regional organisations, development partners, academia, civil society, and youth movements. The inclusion of diverse participants underscores a growing understanding: effective climate action demands collaboration at every level of society.
Media attendance invitation:
Journalists and media houses keen to cover the event are invited to submit their details to:
- Malentsoe Magwagwa: mmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za / 081 716 5824 (call/WhatsApp)
- Modise Kabeli: mkabeli@parliament.gov.za / 081 715 9969 (call/WhatsApp)
Media representatives are asked to provide their full names, publication or organisation, and contact details.
And here’s the part most people miss: beyond the speeches and photos, forums like this are where the seeds of real policy change are planted. But will parliaments across SADC move from dialogue to decisive action? Should citizens hold them more accountable for implementing climate laws that truly protect women, youth, and future generations? Share your thoughts—does this gathering represent genuine progress or just another round of well-intentioned talk?
