SENATOR Dr Linda Nxumalo has been elected Chairperson of the SADC Parliamentary Forum Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC).
The appointment places the country at the helm of the regional women parliamentarians’ body for the next three years.
Nxumalo was elected on Tuesday during a meeting held alongside the official opening of the inaugural Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly at the Ezulwini Palazzo.
The session was held ahead of the 59th Plenary Assembly and focused on the theme, ‘Women Parliamentarians’ Leadership on Climate Change and the Blue Economy: An Ocean of Opportunity.’
Nxumalo said the forum meeting first focused on discussions around aquaculture, climate change and the impact of environmental challenges on the marine economy.
Following the discussions, member States proceeded with elections for the position of chairperson of the RWPC. Nxumalo explained that the elections are conducted on a rotational basis among eligible member States. This year, the countries eligible to contest the position were Eswatini, Namibia, Madagascar and Mauritius.
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However, Nxumalo said participating countries unanimously selected the kingdom to assume the chairmanship of the forum. Namibia was elected to the vice-chairpersonship.
“As Eswatini, we appreciate the SADC parliamentarians for trusting us with this responsibility,” Nxumalo said.
She said her election would strengthen the country’s voice within regional parliamentary platforms and provide the kingdom with greater influence on issues affecting women and development across the SADC region.
“I believe that this position places Eswatini in a better position to have a voice in such forums,” she said.
Nxumalo also pledged to represent the country well during her tenure and ensure that the country tells its own story on regional and international platforms.
