EFF's Mente calls for full implementation of SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage

JOHANNESBURG - The Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF)'s Veronica Mente has called for the full implementation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriages.

Mente tabled the motion at the 57th SADC Parliamentary Forum in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, over the weekend.

The meeting wrapped up on Sunday, with the adoption of several key resolutions on artificial intelligence and its impact on the work of legislatures. 

Earlier in the week, the speaker of the National Assembly and leader of the South African delegation, Thoko Didiza, presented South Africa’s country report.

The report highlighted the progress made in implementing resolutions adopted at the 56th plenary assembly, held in December 2024 in Zambia.

This includes Africa’s efforts to leverage technology and innovation in building a smart, inclusive, and responsive parliament.

This time around, the South African delegation submitted three motions - one on strengthening cyber security in the SADC region, another on increasing efforts to prevent the spread and impact of HIV/Aids and a motion by Mente to combat child marriages.

“This practice continues to deny young millions of young girls their rights to health, education, and to the well-being of all the girls, and it is perpetuating a cycle of poverty and gender inequality.”

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund [UNICEF], in eastern and southern Africa, 35% of women are married before the age of 18.