The 3rd Southern Africa Youth Parliament (hereafter called the Regional Youth Parliament) held its its 1St physical sitting in Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa from 24th to the 28th of March 2025 under the theme, ”Empowering Youth for Sustainable Development and Inclusive Governance.” The parliament deliberated on a number of issues, recommendations and resolutions.

The Southern Africa Youth Parliament was hosted after successful virtual Standing Committee Sessions to consult young people and stakeholders in Southern Africa. The virtual sessions were held from 3rd to the 11th of March 2025.

The Regional Youth Parliament was presided over by the Speakers of Parliament Hon. Nsama Patrick Mpundu (Zambia), and Hon. Patience Munyenyembe (Malawi).

The Southern Africa Youth Parliament was attended by representatives of the parliament from the following countries: Angola, Botswana, DRC, Kingdom of Eswatini, Madagascar, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Republic of Comoros was absent.

The Regional Youth Parliament was graced by Her Excellency Boemo Ndu Sekgoma the Secretary General of SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF), who is also the Patron of the Regional Youth Parliament, the delegation of the African Union Commission (Gender, Youth and Women Division), the Chief Mentor of the Regional Youth Parliament Mr. Sheuneni Kurasha, UN Women East and Southern Africa representative Ms. Maureen Shonge, SAYoF Regional Secretariat, youth representatives, representatives’ from partner organizations: Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), HIVOS, AMREF, European Union’s Women and Youth in Democracy Initiative (WYDE), Youth for Tax Justice Network, Women of the South Speak Out (WOSSO), Southern Africa Trust (SAT), Action Aid Zambia, Blind SA, and Afro Arab Youth Council (AAYC).

Communique for the 1st Sitting of the 3rd Southern Africa Youth Parliament