1. Our Impact

     

    1. Strengthening Parliament and CSOs for Good Governance and Democracy

    The Southern African Parliamentary Support Trust (SAPST) has been implementing a parliamentary strengthening programme since its inception in 2007, which entails providing technical support to the Parliament of Zimbabwe and other Parliaments in the SADC region as well as capacity building programmes for civil society organizations (CSOs) on effective engagement of Parliament and other public institutions. This work has been done with the support of a number of funding partners, which include the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), European Union (EU), Save the Children International (SCI), Swiss Embassy (SDC), Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Affairs (DRL), GIZ, Hivos, Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), Finish Embassy, among others.  Some of the key highlights of the outcomes and impact include the following;

     

    • Advocating for Increased and Equitable Resource Allocation and spending for Children in East and Southern Africa

    Southern African Parliamentary Support Trust (SAPST) implemented a project that sought to advocate for public investment in children in the Eastern and Southern Africa. The specific focus of SAPST’s intervention was increasing allocation and spending in sectors that promote survival, learning and development of children through strengthening parliamentary rights-based approach to budgeting and promoting participatory budgeting in the Eastern and Southern Africa.

    Impact:

    The program saw increased advocacy towards the establishment of child specific parliamentary caucuses in Eastern and Southern Africa. Some regional parliaments, including Zimbabwe, established parliamentary caucuses on children. These have been vocal on children’s issues.

    • Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Public Finance Management (STAP

    SAPST and its lead partner, ZIMCODD, implemented a project on Strengthening Transparency and Accountability in Public Finance Management (STAP) in 2019 to 2024 aimed at contributing towards addressing economic challenges emanating from lack of fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability in Zimbabwe. The project was anchored on the view that there should be a reciprocal relationship between citizens and government, in which citizens provide resources to and entrust governments with stewardship over public resources, and, in turn expect that these resources would be expended diligently in the public interest to fulfil social and economic rights. The STAP project sought to infuse accountability and transparency in public financial management through a two pronged approach: (1) strengthening parliamentary oversight in public finance management and (2) fostering citizen participation in economic governance process. The five-year project was funded by USAID.

    Impact:

    A number of parliamentary petitions by citizens were lodged with the Parliament of Zimbabwe (POZ) demanding transparency on key policy and other matters.

    • Enhancing Constructive Citizen Engagement of the State for Improved Public Policy-making and Constitutionalism

    SAPST led a consortium, including VERITAS, NAYO, and WCoZ, to promote adherence to Zimbabwe’s Constitution. The EU-supported action sought to strengthen civil society and community participation, particularly for women and youth, in implementing the Constitution.

    Impact:

    Several parliamentary petitions were lodged, and engagement meetings were held that sought to emphasise the public interest dimension to policy.

    • Civil Society’s National Indicative Programme Monitoring and Advocacy Programme

    In 20.. to 20.., the Southern African Parliamentary Support Trust (SAPST) was part of a consortium of civil society organisations (CSOs) which implemented a programme funded by the European Union Delegation to Zimbabwe (the EU) under the National Indicative Programme (NIP). The consortium included the following members, National Association for Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO), as the lead organisation, Sam Moyo African Institute of Agrarian Studies (SMAIAS), Zimbabwe AIDS Network (ZAN) and Zimbabwe Community Health Intervention Research (ZiCHIRe). The main objective of the NIP was, inter alia, to enhance citizen engagement with public institutions, and to enhance their oversight over the implementation of public policy, including the national budget.

    Impact:

    The intervention saw CSOs and other stakeholders monitoring the implementation of the national budget by Government, in a way that enhanced transparency.

    1. Advancing Gender Equality and social Justice in Legislation

    Promoting gender equality and social inclusion is at the core of SAPST’s mission. We work to ensure that marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, are represented in governance and that their voices shape the policies that affect their lives. Through our advocacy programs, SAPST supports the formation of parliamentary caucuses dedicated to promoting the rights of marginalized communities. These caucuses work to advance legislative reforms that address gender disparities, protect vulnerable populations, and promote social justice. We also facilitate dialogues between MPs, civil society organizations, and community leaders to ensure that policies are inclusive and equitable.

    SAPST helps establish and strengthen parliamentary caucuses focused on women, youth, and persons with disabilities, providing them with tools and resources needed to advocate for inclusive policies. We also work with MPs, civil society organizations, and advocacy groups to push for legislative reforms that promote gender equality and protect the rights of marginalized groups. We develop programs that support the inclusion of vulnerable populations in governance, ensuring that laws and policies reflect their needs. Some of the key outcomes are highlighted below.

    Impact:

    • Played a key role in passing the Persons with Disabilities Bill, which strengthens protections for persons with disabilities and promotes inclusivity.
    • Supported the Women’s Caucusin advocating for gender-responsive budget statements, ensuring that national resources address the needs of women and girls.
    • Established a parliamentary Youth Caucus, providing young people with a platform to influence legislative reforms that affect their future.

     

    1. Enhancing Accountability and Transparency in Public Spending

    Effective public finance management (PFM) is essential for ensuring that government resources are used efficiently and for the public good. SAPST works to strengthen parliamentary oversight of public finances by building the capacity of MPs and parliamentary committees to monitor government expenditures, scrutinize budget proposals, and assess the impact of fiscal policies.

    We collaborate closely with the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO), providing technical support and training to ensure that parliaments are well-equipped to engage in informed budget debates. SAPST advocates for transparent and inclusive budget processes that involve the voices of all citizens, especially marginalized communities, in decision-making about resource allocation. Our work promotes fiscal responsibility, reduces corruption, and ensures that national resources are used to address the needs of society’s most vulnerable.

    Our Key Initiatives:

    Budget Analysis and Scrutiny:

    SAPST supports parliamentary committees in analyzing national budgets, ensuring that they reflect the priorities of the population and that public funds are allocated fairly and effectively.

    Capacity Building for MPs:

    We provide specialized training for MPs and parliamentary staff on public finance management, including budget tracking, financial auditing, and fiscal oversight mechanisms.

    Promoting Gender-Responsive Budgeting:

    SAPST advocates for the inclusion of gender considerations in budget planning, ensuring that resources address the specific needs of women and girls.

    Impact:

    • Supported the introduction of Gender-Responsive Budget Statements, which ensure that national budgets allocate resources to address gender inequalities.
    • Strengthened Parliament’s capacity to monitor public spending, contributing to more transparent and accountable fiscal processes.
    • Assisted the Parliamentary Budget Office in enhancing its role as a key institution for budget oversight and analysis.

     

    1. Empowering Institutions With Rigorous Data-Driven Research

    In today’s complex governance landscape, effective decision-making requires access to reliable, evidence-based insights. At SAPST, our research programs are designed to provide parliaments and other governance bodies with the data, analysis, and recommendations they need to develop policies that are grounded in reality and tailored to the challenges they face. We collaborate with academic institutions, civil society organizations, and policy experts to conduct research that addresses critical governance issues, such as public finance management, social justice, gender equality, and climate change. Our research ensures that policies are not only effective but also inclusive, representing the needs of all citizens, particularly marginalized groups.

     

    (a) Public Finance Management and Fiscal Transparency

    SAPST conducts extensive research on public finance management, helping parliaments oversee government spending and promote fiscal responsibility. Our studies on budgetary processes, government expenditures, and financial accountability equip governance bodies with the tools to ensure that public resources are managed transparently and efficiently.

    Key Areas of Focus:

    • Analyzing national budgets and fiscal policies
    • Promoting transparency in government spending
    • Providing data-driven recommendations for efficient public finance management

    (b) Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

    Our research on gender equality and social inclusion focuses on understanding and addressing the barriers that women, youth, and marginalized groups face in governance. SAPST provides parliaments with evidence-based insights that inform gender-responsive policies and promote inclusive governance practices.

    Key Areas of Focus:

    • Gender-responsive budgeting and policy-making
    • Promoting the inclusion of marginalized groups in governance
    • Ensuring that laws reflect the needs of women, youth, and disadvantaged communities

    (c) Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability

    Governments and parliaments play a critical role in addressing climate change. SAPST’s research on environmental sustainability helps parliaments craft legislation that promotes climate resilience and sustainable development. By providing data and best practices, we support the creation of policies that safeguard natural resources and protect communities from the impacts of climate change.

    Key Areas of Focus:

    • Climate-resilient policies and legislation
    • Sustainable development practices
    • Promoting environmental conservation through governance

    (d) Human Rights and Constitutional Law

    SAPST conducts research on human rights and constitutional law, ensuring that parliaments have access to the information they need to draft laws that protect individual freedoms and uphold democratic principles. Our research highlights critical areas such as child protection, disability rights, and freedom of expression, empowering parliaments to create laws that promote equality and justice.

    Key Areas of Focus:

    • Child protection and disability rights legislation
    • Ensuring freedom of expression and democratic values
    • Promoting the enforcement of constitutional law through governance

    Impact:

    Through our research, SAPST has informed the development of key laws and policies that address governance challenges across Southern Africa. By providing data and insights on public finance, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and human rights, we have helped parliaments make informed, evidence-based decisions that benefit all citizens.

    Key Achievements:

    • Produced over 100 research reports that have informed critical laws, including gender-responsive budgets, public finance reforms, and environmental protection policies
    • Supported the passage of laws that safeguard the rights of women, children, and marginalized communities through data-driven research
    • Partnered with academic institutions and policy experts to conduct comparative studies on governance, improving parliamentary practices in the region

     

    1. Building Strong Legislative Foundations for Justice and Equality

    Legislation is the cornerstone of democratic governance. At SAPST, we recognize the critical role that parliaments play in crafting laws that reflect the needs of society and promote justice, equality, and prosperity. Through our extensive parliamentary support programs, we aim to strengthen the capacity of MPs and parliamentary staff to draft, scrutinize, and enact laws that are inclusive, effective, and transparent.

    Our focus is on creating legislative frameworks that protect human rights, promote social justice, and encourage economic growth. We work closely with legislators to provide technical support, in-depth research, and practical training to ensure that parliaments have the resources and knowledge needed to address complex policy issues. SAPST also advocates for legislative reforms that uphold democratic principles and protect vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities.

    Our Key Initiatives:

    Legislative Drafting Support:

    We provide expert advice and technical assistance to parliamentary committees and MPs during the drafting process to ensure laws are clear, enforceable, and aligned with constitutional and international standards.

    Policy Analysis and Research:

    Our team conducts rigorous policy research to support evidence-based law-making, ensuring that legislative decisions are informed by accurate data and best practices.

    Public Consultations:

    We organize public hearings and forums that allow citizens, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to provide input on proposed legislation, making the law-making process more participatory and transparent.

    Impact:

    Facilitated the passage of critical laws such as the Marriages Act, which modernized the legal framework for marriage and protected the rights of women.
    Played a key role in drafting the Children’s Amendment Act, safeguarding the welfare of children and addressing child protection issues.
    Supported the development of the Persons with Disabilities Bill, which strengthens protections for persons with disabilities and promotes inclusivity.

     

    1. Engaging Citizens to Shape the Future of Governance

    At SAPST, we believe that democratic governance cannot thrive without active and informed citizen participation. Our civic engagement programs are designed to empower citizens, particularly those from marginalized communities, to engage meaningfully in legislative processes and hold their elected representatives accountable. We create spaces for dialogue between MPs and the communities they represent, facilitating public hearings, town hall meetings, and community outreach programs. These platforms allow citizens to voice their opinions on legislation, policy reforms, and community concerns. SAPST works with civil society organizations, community leaders, and advocacy groups to ensure that citizens are not only informed about their rights but also have the tools and knowledge to advocate for positive change in their communities.

    Our Key Initiatives:

    Public Hearings and Forums:

    SAPST organizes events that bring MPs face-to-face with their constituents, ensuring that citizens’ voices are heard in the legislative process, through constituency sensitisation and feedback sessions as well as Townhall meetings.

    Civic Education Programs:

    We provide educational materials and workshops to inform citizens about their rights and responsibilities, as well as the role of Parliament in governance.

    Advocacy Training for Civil Society:

    We support civil society organizations in building their capacity to advocate for policy reforms and engage in the legislative process.

    Impact:

    • Facilitated over 150 public hearings, enabling citizens to directly contribute to key legislative debates and policy discussions.
    • Trained over 200 community leaders in advocacy and civic engagement, empowering them to drive change in their communities.
    • Strengthened the relationship between MPs and their constituents through regular engagement and dialogue.
    • Over 70 petitions by citizens have been lodged with Parliament
    • Tremendous increase of CSOs engaging Parliament
    • Improved media coverage of Parliament

     

    1. Crafting Legislative Solutions for a Sustainable Future

    Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today, and SAPST is committed to supporting parliaments in crafting effective legislative responses to environmental issues. We work with MPs and parliamentary committees to develop laws and policies that promote environmental sustainability, reduce carbon emissions, and build resilience to the impacts of climate change. Our climate change programs focus on ensuring that national policies are aligned with global environmental agreements and that they take into account the unique challenges facing communities in Southern Africa. SAPST also works closely with civil society organizations, environmental experts, and community leaders to advocate for climate action at the parliamentary level.

    Our Key Initiatives:

    Climate Legislation Support:

    SAPST provides technical assistance to MPs in drafting and reviewing climate change legislation, ensuring that policies are comprehensive and forward-thinking.

    Capacity Building on Climate Issues:

    We offer workshops and training sessions for MPs and parliamentary staff on climate resilience, adaptation strategies, and the importance of sustainable development.

    Promoting Community Resilience:

    SAPST works with local communities to ensure that climate policies are inclusive and that vulnerable populations have a voice in shaping environmental legislation.

    Impact:

    • Supported the drafting of climate change legislation aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy sources.
    • Facilitated capacity-building workshops for MPs on the importance of environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
    • Worked with civil society organizations to advocate for inclusive climate policies that protect vulnerable communities.