JK to officiate SADC meeting on PACs

Zitto Kabwe, Chairperson of Tanzania's Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC)

President Jakaya Kikwete is expected to preside over the 10th Southern Development Community Organizations of Public Accounts Committees conference which starts here tomorrow.
Briefing reporters yesterday, Chairperson of Tanzania’s Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Zitto Kabwe, said the meeting will involve more than 300 participants from across SADC member countries and the rest of Africa.
Members of Parliament, Speakers, Controller Auditor Generals and high-ranking government officials from SADC member countries are expected to attend the meeting.
He said President Kikwete is also expected to launch the African Organization of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC).
“The meeting would mark the 10th anniversary of SADCOPAC and witness officials of the launch of the African Organization of Public Accounts Committees (AFROPAC).”
The Kigoma North MP added: “The aim of establishing AFROPAC is to improve cooperation among member countries in relation to parliamentary oversight, in spite of differing political, economic and social systems.”
This would create a structure where members could network with the view to sharing best practices, and where appropriate, harmonising and standardising the work of PAC in Africa.
The meeting is expected to discuss new ways of empowering the committees including the offices of Controller Auditor General (CAG), in SADC region Zitto said.
SADCOPAC Chairperson Sipho Makama said the meeting would play a crucial role in shaping public accounts committees across the region.