Sakeus Iikela
Johannesburg, South Africa — Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Loide Kasingo
has called on all African countries to introduce national programmes aimed at educating young
people on the ideals of Pan-Africanism to strengthen unity and promote development on the
continent.
Kasingo said this is especially important to ensure that young people “who are the leaders of
tomorrow” understand the importance of Pan-Africanism for development.
She made these remarks on Tuesday, while contributing to a discussion on the state of the
African Union, led by AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat.
Kasingo alongside National Council member Hon. Gerard Shiimi, is representing Namibia at the
Fourth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Parliament of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), currently
held in Johannesburg.
Kasingo said “the revival of Pan-Africanism is essential for us to develop”, because at the
moment, citizens of the continent, including leaders, seem to have lost the values and ideals of
Pan-Africanism.
“In Namibia, Pan-Africanism is lacking, especially among the youth. They do not understand
what Pan-Africanism is all about and therefore do not live up to its spirit. Many young people
today focus on getting rich quickly, disregarding the spirit of sharing to ensure everyone has
bread on their table,” she added.
Kasingo, who credited former Namibian President Sam Nujoma as a key advocate for the
establishment of AU’s legislative body, also proposed that future members of PAP undergo
assessments to ensure they truly understand Pan-Africanism.
“Young people need to be educated about the AU and its associated institutions. This would
ensure that future leaders understand and embody the spirit of Pan-Africanism,” she said.
She also emphasised the need for African countries to reduce their dependence on foreign aid
and focus on self-funding to spur genuine development across the continent.
“If we don’t fund ourselves, we will keep on begging from others, although our continent is very
rich,” she stated, calling for a revival of the spirit of Pan-Africanism among Africans, especially
the youth.
She urged African leaders to support the ratification of the Malabo Protocol, which would
strengthen the African Union’s (AU) institutions, including PAP.
“It is our duty to lobby our Heads of State to support the ratification of the protocol,” Kasingo
said, highlighting the need for member states to bolster AU structures, including its courts, to
reinforce accountability and governance.
Addressing the AU’s funding challenges, Kasingo proposed the idea of an AU levy on resources
like diamonds and oil, suggesting these funds support AU operations, including PAP.
“Maybe we should collect the levy from those harvesting our resources. Such a levy could then
fund AU’s budget and support PAP’s work,” she proposed.
Kasingo expressed concern that while Africa is rich in resources, its people remain poor due to
mismanagement and external exploitation.
“Africa as a continent is rich, but its people are poor. We often choose to study abroad rather
than investing in our own institutions at home. This shows that we have yet to decolonize our
minds,” she said.
PAP STRATEGIC PLAN
In his opening remarks, H.E. President Chief Fortune Charumbira said PAP’s Strategic Plan is
designed to deepen Africa’s economic integration, democratic governance, and stability.
"This Strategic Plan is our collective vision, crafted through extensive consultations with our
stakeholders," he remarked, noting that the Parliament consulted with representatives from
African Union (AU) institutions, civil society, and regional bodies to shape the vision of a united
and empowered Africa.
The Strategic Plan aims to adapt PAP's activities to Africa’s evolving social, political, and
economic landscape.
“The Pan-African Parliament is not just another institution; it is the legislative voice of Africa,
committed to fully involving our people in building the Africa we aspire to,” President Charumbira
stated, emphasising PAP's mission to be the guardian of African citizens' aspirations.
Charumbira emphasised the goal of enabling PAP to effectively fulfil its legislative and oversight
roles, while championing human rights, economic integration, and good governance.
He urged the Parliament to commit to transparency and inclusivity, ensuring the strategy reflects
Africa’s achievements and challenges alike.
In his welcome remarks, the 4th Vice President of PAP, Hon. Djiddar Mamar, called the
workshop "a crucial endeavour for the Pan-African Parliament and for Africa."
He encouraged participants to collaborate towards actionable resolutions that would embody
the needs and aspirations of African citizens.
