Category: Executive Committee

Windhoek, Namibia – The Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) has paid tribute to the late Dr. Sam Shafishuna Nujoma, Namibia’s Founding President, for his unwavering commitment to regional integration and democracy.

President Nujoma died on February 8 in Windhoek, Namibia. He was 95. In a statement, the President of the SADC PF, Hon. Justin Tokely, extended condolences on behalf of the Forum to the Nujoma family, the Namibian government, and the people of Namibia.

Dr. Nujoma, a towering figure in Namibia’s struggle for independence and a champion of Pan-African unity, was lauded as a visionary leader whose legacy extends far beyond his nation.

Hon. Tokely described him as “a beacon of democracy, regional integration, and unity in the SADC region and beyond,” and said he had played pivotal role in advancing freedom and liberation across Southern Africa.

The SADC PF President said under Dr. Nujoma’s leadership, Namibia played a foundational role in the establishment of the SADC Parliamentary Forum. The historic summit that launched the Forum took place in Windhoek on July 15, 1995, with Namibia generously hosting its headquarters and Secretariat to this day.

Highlighting Dr. Nujoma’s support, Hon. Tokely recalled his inauguration of the SADC Forum House in 2001, describing it as “a testament to his unwavering support for parliamentary institutions as essential pillars of governance and democracy.”

Hon Tokely said Dr. Nujoma’s vision for the Forum went beyond its inception, and recalled that in 1999, he boldly declared the SADC PF as “the nucleus of a future regional parliamentary assembly,” a statement that continues to inspire the Forum’s ongoing mission to foster democratic governance and inter-parliamentary cooperation.

At the 16th Plenary Assembly Session in 2004, Dr Nujoma reiterated Namibia’s readiness to host a fully-fledged SADC Parliament, demonstrating his belief in the transformative power of inter-parliamentary dialogue to promote peace, democracy, and regional development.

“Dr. Nujoma’s visionary role was instrumental in the creation and strengthening of the SADC Parliamentary Forum. His lifelong commitment to Pan-African unity and regional integration has shaped the ethos of the Forum and left an indelible mark on the region,” Hon. Tokely, who is also the Speaker of the National Assembly of Madagascar, said.

Beyond his contributions to the Forum, Dr. Nujoma’s advocacy for regional solidarity and social justice has been hailed as a benchmark for regional leaders. His belief in unity as a catalyst for development inspired mechanisms such as the SADC PF, which today stands as a pillar of democracy and cooperation within the region.

Hon. Tokely also reflected on Dr. Nujoma’s enduring influence even after his retirement from active politics, describing him as a “revered pillar” of the SADC community and a guiding light for future generations.

As the SADC PF joins the world in mourning the loss of this great leader, Hon. Tokely affirmed that Dr. Nujoma’s contributions to regional integration, peace, and democracy would forever be remembered.

“May his exemplary legacy continue to inspire unity, democracy, and prosperity throughout the SADC region and beyond,” he said.

*Additional reporting by Ronald Windwaai, ICT Officer at the SADC PF.

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Windhoek, Namibia – The SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) has expressed sorrow following the death of Mr. Roy Ngulube, the Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia, who died on 7 April 2025 while on official duty in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Mr. Ngulube was in Tashkent as part of a Zambian parliamentary delegation attending the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, led by Speaker Nelly Mutti.

His sudden passing has sent shockwaves across the region, with tributes pouring in to honour a man widely respected for his dedication to parliamentary service and regional cooperation.

In a condolence message, the Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Ms. Boemo Sekgoma, paid tribute to Mr. Ngulube’s extensive contributions to regional parliamentary development.

“Mr. Ngulube was not only a consummate parliamentary professional but also a steadfast advocate for regional cooperation, innovation, and democratic governance,” she said in a statement, adding that he was also “a strong pillar” in the SADC Committee of Clerks and Secretaries General of Parliaments.

Mr. Ngulube’s relationship with the SADC PF dates to his tenure as Executive Assistant to the Secretary General between 2006 and 2008. In that role, he helped lay a solid foundation for inter-parliamentary collaboration within the region. His service, Ms. Sekgoma noted, was marked by “an unwavering commitment to the principles that underpin the Forum’s work.”

Throughout a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Mr. Ngulube rose through the ranks of the Zambian Parliament. He held key positions including Assistant Committee Clerk, Deputy Clerk for both Procedure and Administration, and, Clerk of the National Assembly, a position he assumed in September 2023.

In recent years, he remained integrally involved in the work of the SADC PF, contributing thought leadership and strategic input to several key initiatives, including the SADC PF Sweden-funded SRHR, HIV and AIDS Governance Project.

“His participation was marked by diligence, vision, and a tireless dedication to improving legislative responsiveness to public health and social development imperatives,” said Ms. Sekgoma.

A strong proponent of modernising parliamentary communication, Mr. Ngulube helped Zambia’s Parliament in expanding its operational radio and television broadcasting services to enhance public access and participation. He was also an early advocate for leveraging emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to streamline legislative processes.

“His bold embrace of innovation was a testament to his forward-thinking leadership,” noted Ms. Sekgoma. She added, “He will be remembered for his spirit of collegiality, mentorship, and principled engagement.”

His colleagues saluted him for championing gender equality in parliamentary leadership, ethical donor engagement, and strengthening institutional ties with development partners.

Ms. Sekgoma said the impact of Mr Ngulube’s work was enduring.

“We celebrate a life of dedicated service, quiet strength, and an enduring legacy. May his family and colleagues find solace in the knowledge that his work touched many lives and that his legacy will continue to inspire.”

Delegates attending the 150th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, observed a moment of silence in remembrance of Mr Ngulube on Tuesday

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