A high-level delegation from the National Council, led by Chairperson Lucas Muha, has arrived in the Zambezi Region for an intensive five-day outreach mission.
The campaign aims to demystify parliamentary processes, unpack civic rights, and directly engage local communities on how they can actively participate in national lawmaking and regional governance.
The outreach programme provides an opportunity for local communities, traditional authorities, students and school learners to engage the delegation on the Constitution, the functions of Parliament and the public's role in the legislative process.
National Council Chairperson Lucas Muha says citizens need to understand how laws are made and how they can contribute to the process.
"As a citizen, as somebody sitting or schooling at Caprivi Senior Secondary School, how do I take part in making the law because I am also in the end affected? That is the discussion of today."
During the first engagement, held in Katima Mulilo, participants called for stronger public consultations during the review of laws and policies, arguing that communities directly affected by decisions should have a greater voice in shaping legislation.
Concerns were also raised about gaps in existing policies and the limited involvement of communities in decision-making processes.
"Traditional leaders are consulted but very minimally. You will find traditional leaders who are invited to a place like this that they must come and share. Already, it's a limitation because a lot of traditional leaders, as per our tradition, cannot really speak on sensitive matters on a platform like this, so I think, as you have said, it is our responsibility to go and share what we have learned here, but we also share with you that your responsibility is also to go back with our concerns," stressed youth activist Riaan Siyama.
Other participants welcomed the outreach programme, saying it offers communities an opportunity to better understand the roles of Parliament and the National Council. School learners, in particular, appreciated being included in the engagement, describing it as a valuable learning opportunity.
"I'm appreciative to the parliament because they brought information to us here in Zambezi so that we must also try to be aware of what is happening in the national council or in the parliament," said Daniel Sezuni.
"Learners were included in learning more about the parliament. Today's engagement was very helpful; it taught us many things about the parliament, some facts which we didn't even know, and fun facts. Before a law is made, it's a Bill and it's passed through the National Assembly to the National Council," added Caprivi S.S.S. learner Pretty Nyangano.
The outreach programme will continue, with the National Council delegation expected to engage various communities and stakeholders across the region.