Windhoek, – A five-member delegation of Namibian Parliamentarians, led by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Philipus Katamelo, is attending the Sitting of the Permanent Committees and other Organs of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), currently underway in Midrand, South Africa. The Sitting began today, 25 September, and will run until 04 October 2025.
The delegation, comprising members from both Houses of Parliament, is representing Namibia across five of the eleven Permanent Committees of the PAP.
Hon. Katamelo is serving on the Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolution. Hon. Gerhard Shiimi is participating in the Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment. Hon. Uahekua Herunga is contributing to discussions in the Committee on Education, Culture, Tourism and Human Resources. Hon. Anseline Beukes is taking part in the Committee on Gender, Family, Youth and People with Disabilities, while Hon. Rodney Cloete is engaged with the Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration Matters.
These Committees play a vital role in the legislative and oversight functions of the Pan-African Parliament. Their work reflects the mandates of the African Union Commissions and focuses on key thematic areas that promote policy harmonisation, democratic governance, human rights, and regional integration across the continent.
The current Sitting marks the second round of Committee meetings for the year, forming part of the PAP’s statutory calendar. The sessions enable Parliamentarians to examine and review progress on programmes and policies aligned with the PAP Strategic Plan, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and other AU priorities, including the Union’s theme of the year.
In addition to Committee deliberations, the programme features high-level engagements such as the 13th Conference of Speakers of Regional and National Parliaments, which is being held under the theme: “Transforming Parliaments to Catalyse Citizen-Driven Continental Integration, Sustainable Development, Prosperity and Peace, and Enhance Africa’s Dynamic Role on the Global Stage.” A Meeting of Clerks of National and Regional Parliaments is also scheduled to take place on the margins of the Sitting.
The Pan-African Parliament, which serves as the legislative arm of the African Union, was established to provide a platform for African legislators to discuss and influence continental affairs. Through its Permanent Committees and plenary sessions, PAP promotes cooperation among African states, encourages participatory democracy, and supports the implementation of policies aimed at sustainable development and peace across Africa.
