Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Phillipus Katamelo, head of Namibia’s delegation to the Pan-African Parliament
- Rafael Hangula
Midrand, South Africa – The Southern Africa Regional Caucus has assigned newly sworn-in Members of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) from Namibia to serve on key Permanent Committees of the continental legislative body.
The Caucus, which plays a crucial role in coordinating regional positions and promoting unity among member states, made the appointments earlier this week.
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Phillipus Katamelo, has been assigned to the Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Conflict Resolution. This committee handles policy matters on international cooperation and relations on behalf of the Parliament and the African Union (AU).
It also oversees conventions and protocols linking the PAP with regional and international institutions, examines AU treaties, and supports conflict prevention and resolution initiatives.
Uahekua Herunga will serve on the Committee on Education, Culture, Tourism and Human Resources. The committee is responsible for shaping policy and implementing programmes related to access to education, cultural promotion, tourism development, and human resource management across the continent.
Similary, Anseline Beukes has been assigned to the Committee on Gender, Family, Youth and People with Disabilities. The committee focuses on promoting gender equality and supports the Parliament’s oversight of AU policies and initiatives concerning families, young people, and persons with disabilities.
Rodney Cloete will serve on the Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration Matters. This committee is tasked with developing policy on cross-border trade, customs, and immigration at regional and continental levels. It also helps the PAP oversee related AU institutions and policies.
Gerhard Shiimi continues to serve on the Committee on Rural Economy, Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment, where he has represented Namibia for the past four years.
The committee is responsible for developing common regional and continental policies in agriculture and supports the Parliament in promoting the harmonisation of AU strategies for rural development, natural resource management, and environmental sustainability.
The Pan-African Parliament, established as the legislative arm of the African Union, brings together representatives from all AU member states to debate and address continental issues including peace, security, democracy, human rights, and economic development.
Deputy Speaker Katamelo is leading Namibia’s delegation to the Fifth Ordinary Session of the Sixth Pan-African Parliament currently underway in Midrand, South Africa. The session ends on 1 August 2025.
Namibia’s PAP delegation consists of members designated from both chambers of its bicameral Parliament. Shiimi and Beukes were designated by the National Council, while Katamelo, Herunga, and Cloete were designated by the National Assembly.
