- Rafael Hangula
Midrand, South Africa – A parliamentary delegation from Namibia arrived in Midrand over the weekend to take part in an Extraordinary Session of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), where new continental leadership is set to be elected on Thursday.
The delegation, led by Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Philipus Katamelo, will participate in proceedings running from 26 April to 6 May 2026. It comprises five Members of Parliament drawn from both the National Assembly and the National Council.
Katamelo said the delegation’s participation reflects Namibia’s continued engagement in continental parliamentary processes.
At the centre of the session is the election of the Bureau of the Seventh Legislature of the PAP. The Bureau, which serves as the institution’s chief leadership and administrative body, comprises a President and four Vice-Presidents representing Africa’s five regions. It plays a critical role in guiding the strategic direction and overall functioning of the Parliament.
The elections follow the conclusion of the term of the Sixth Legislature, led by PAP President Fortune Charumbira of Zimbabwe. His tenure has been marked by efforts to consolidate the institution and strengthen its role within the African Union governance framework.
The presidency of the Pan-African Parliament rotates among Africa’s five regions; Southern, West, East, Central and North Africa under a system designed to ensure equitable regional representation.
With the outgoing President coming from Southern Africa, the region is not expected to retain the presidency under this rotational principle.
Candidates for the Bureau must be sitting PAP Members nominated by their national delegations and endorsed by their respective regional caucuses. Gender representation requirements also influence the composition of the Vice-Presidents, shaping negotiations ahead of Thursday’s election.
Namibia has maintained a consistent presence within the PAP and has previously held positions in its leadership structures.
Notably, former Namibian parliamentarian and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Loide Kasingo served as Third Vice-President of the PAP between 2012 and 2015, representing the Southern African region. Her tenure contributed to strengthening regional participation and parliamentary cooperation within the continental body.
The current session is also seeing newly designated Members sworn in, alongside verification and orientation processes aimed at integrating incoming parliamentarians into PAP structures.
Three of Namibia’s five delegates are expected to be sworn in as PAP Members and will subsequently be assigned to PAP’s 11 permanent committees.
The PAP provides a platform for lawmakers across Africa to deliberate on issues including peace and security, democratic governance, human rights and development.
With up to 275 Members drawn from 55 African Union member States, each country sends five representatives, with at least one required to be a woman.
