Hon Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla has emerged as the new Chairperson of the Southern Caucus of the Pan-African Parliament after winning the election with 17 votes, defeating her opponent, Hon Mdumiseni Ntuli, who received 12 votes. The election was held due to the resignation of the former Chairperson, Hon Pemmy Castelina Pamela Majodina, who was appointed as the Minister of Water and Sanitation in South Africa.
Hon Zuma-Sambudla, a member of the Umkhonto WeSizwe Party, was sworn in as a PAP member during the September meeting. In her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude for being chosen and called for unity within the caucus. The Southern Caucus is composed of MPs from various countries in the region such as Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia.
The PAP Rules of Procedure mandate the formation of regional caucuses, like the Southern Caucus, to nominate candidates for leadership positions, committee memberships, and other parliamentary functions. The regional caucuses play a crucial role in selecting members for various roles within the Pan-African Parliament, ensuring effective representation from each geographical region.
