Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

The deteriorating security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the restoration of constitutional order in Madagascar and the fight against terrorism in Mozambique have come under the spotlight as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation met in Durban on Sunday.

Opening the Extraordinary Summit of the Organ Troika, Malawi’s Second Vice President, Right Honourable Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana, who represented President Arthur Peter Mutharika, said the situation in eastern DRC remained critical to regional stability.

“The situation in Eastern DRC remains critical to regional stability. The people of eastern DRC have not known peace for too long. This peace is attainable with our collective efforts, including the initiatives with the Eastern African Community and the African Union. Equally important are the Washington Accords and the Doha peace framework,” Chihana said.

He said the security crisis in the region was being compounded by the spread of Ebola, which he said has claimed more than 2 000 lives.

“The security situation, being compounded by the current fast spreading outbreak of Ebola virus, which has claimed over 2 000 lives. We commend the Republic of Angola, the Republic of South Africa, and the Republic of Zimbabwe for providing financial resources for combating the outbreak,” he said.

Chihana said peace in eastern DRC could be achieved through collective regional and continental efforts, including initiatives involving the East African Community and the African Union, as well as the Washington Accords and Doha peace framework.

Madagascar 

On Madagascar, Chihana said SADC remained engaged in efforts to restore constitutional order in that country.

“As a region, we remain engaged on the situation in Madagascar to ensure that constitutional order is restored in that country,” he said.

He commended the SADC Shadow Diplomacy Mission, led by former Malawi President Dr Joyce Banda, as well as the Panel of Elders, while calling for the continuation of consultations aimed at addressing that country’s political future.

“We need to follow through the process being undertaken, including the nationwide or inclusive consultations on the foundation of the country ahead of the generations,” Chihana said.

He also stressed the importance of establishing the SADC liaison office in Madagascar in a timely manner.

Mozambique 

Turning to Mozambique, Chihana welcomed ongoing dialogue between the government and opposition to address political challenges and violence that followed that country’s elections.

“On the situation in the Republic of Mozambique, it is pleasing to note that the government and the opposition sides are engaged in a national dialogue aimed at addressing political challenges and the violence which erupted after the last elections,” he said.

He also welcomed military operations against terrorist groups in Cabo Delgado Province.

“It is encouraging to note that the country’s armed forces, with support from other partners, are engaged in combat operations aimed at putting out terrorist cells in some districts of Cabo Delgado province. It is our common interest that terrorism is eliminated from our region,” he said. 

Chihana said strengthening democracy was central to maintaining peace and security in the region, calling for greater capacity and adequate resources for election observation mechanisms.

“Consolidation of democracy is critical for maintainers of peace and security in our region; we must strengthen capacity of election observation mechanisms and to ensure that adequate resources are provided with these preventive mechanisms in our region’s peace architecture,” he said. 

Regional solidarity

The Malawi Vice President said SADC’s strength lay in its unity and collective response to regional challenges, urging member states to approach the deliberations with openness, mutual respect and a shared sense of purpose.

“The decisions we take and the guidance we provide do not only shape our collective response to the challenges before us but also enforce the credibility of SADC as a dependable guarantor of peace, constitutional order, democratic governance and regional solidarity,” he said.

The Summit brought together the Organ Troika Member States, with Malawi serving as the current Chair and the Kingdom of Eswatini as the incoming Chair.

Chihana expressed appreciation to the participating ministers and to South Africa for hosting the meeting and providing arrangements for the delegations.

He said the deliberations were expected to further strengthen regional cooperation and reaffirm SADC’s commitment to peace, security, democratic governance and the collective wellbeing of member states.

“I’m confident that our discussion will further consolidate regional cooperation and reaffirm SADC’s enduring commitment to solidarity, peaceful coexistence, and the collective well-being of our member states.”

Chihana subsequently declared the Extraordinary Summit of the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation officially open. 

The SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation is mandated to safeguard peace and stability across the region. Its responsibilities include conflict prevention, management, and resolution, while upholding democratic principles, protecting human rights, and preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States. – SAnews.gov.za

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Southern African Development Community (SADC) Executive Secretary Elias Magosi has described the bloc’s Organ Troika for Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation as a foundational cornerstone to preserving peace and ensuring future shared prosperity.

Magosi delivered introductory remarks during a meeting of the troika held in Durban on the eve of the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the SADC.

“Our collective efforts to safeguard peace, strengthen democracy and governance, and advance sustainable development remain central to the aspirations of the people of Southern Africa.

“The SADC Organ… remains a cornerstone of our regional architecture. Through its work, we continue to strengthen peace, security [and] stability across our region that are the foundations upon which development, economic growth and shared prosperity are built,” Magosi said.

The Organ Troika – currently made up of the nations of Malawi, Eswatini and Tanzania – is one of the highest decision-making organs of the regional bloc and the meeting today will discuss the region’s political and security situation.

Today, discussions will centre on a report on the work of the past year which is expected to reflect progress made in the region on peace, security and democratic governance while identifying the challenges that still remain.

Magosi noted that these challenges require collective action, even as the region remains “generally stable and free from interstate conflict”.

“Guided by the SADC protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, we have continued to strengthen institutions and mechanisms that promote peace, democracy and regional integration.

“During the past year, SADC remained actively engaged in responding to political and security developments across our region. Through preventive diplomacy, dialogue, mediation and conflict prevention initiatives, we have continued to pursue peaceful solutions and strengthen stability,” he said.

Peaceful solutions

In particular, the region has kept attention on developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar.

In the DRC, the M23 group continues to clash with government forces for some years, with recent escalation, while in Madagascar, then President Andry Rajoelina was removed from office in October last year.

“While encouraging progress has been achieved, the security and humanitarian situation in Eastern DRC remains deeply concerning. We therefore reaffirm our support for all efforts aimed at securing a peaceful, durable and political solution that restores stability, protects human life and creates conditions for sustainable peace and development.

“In Madagascar, SADC has remained actively engaged in supporting dialogue and national reconciliation. Through diplomatic engagement, mediation efforts, and the work of the Panel of Elders, progress has been made towards constitutional reform, democratic governance, and the restoration of political stability.

“The planned establishment of a SADC Liaison Office reflects our continued commitment to supporting these efforts,” Magosi said.

Democratic stability also remains top of mind with SADC Electoral Observation Missions deployed to Malawi, Seychelles, the United Republic of Tanzania and recently to the Republic Zambia over the past year.

“These missions reaffirm our commitment to credible, transparent, and peaceful electoral processes while identifying opportunities for further strengthening democratic institutions and electoral systems across the region.

“Progress has also continued towards the establishment of the SADC Standby Force Regional Logistics Depot in Botswana.

“Once operational, this facility will significantly strengthen our collective capacity to respond rapidly and effectively to peace support operations, humanitarian emergencies, and natural disasters.

“It represents an important investment in regional preparedness, resilience, and collective security,” Magosi said.

He told the gathering that the meeting of the troika now represents an opportunity to “review progress, identify priorities, and strengthen our collective response to the challenges and opportunities” facing the 16-member regional bloc.

“Despite the challenges before us, there is every reason for confidence and optimism. Repeatedly, SADC has demonstrated that when we act in unity, solidarity, and shared purpose, we can overcome adversity, build resilience, and advance the well-being of our people.

“As we reflect on the year under review, it is fitting that we acknowledge the leadership and commitment of those who have guided the work of the Organ,” Magosi said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Three people have been arrested for allegedly attempting to circumvent accreditation and access-control measures at the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit in Durban.

In a statement on Sunday, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) said two Congolese nationals were arrested on Saturday after allegedly attempting to enter the summit venue using accreditation issued to another person. 

The suspects were detected at an access-controlled point after their identities did not correspond with the accreditation they presented.

They face charges of fraud, impersonation and contravention of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act 2 of 2010, relating to entering a designated area without authorisation.

“Their identities and the circumstances surrounding the attempted access remain subject to further investigation,” NATJOINTS said.

Earlier this week, a Zimbabwean national was also arrested after allegedly attempting to obtain accreditation under the guise of being a performing artist to gain access to the summit venue.

The Zimbabwean national faces a charge relating to being illegally in the Republic of South Africa.

NATJOINTS said the arrests bring to three the number of people arrested in connection with attempts to circumvent the summit’s accreditation and access-control processes.

The structure has warned that the exchanging, lending, sharing, falsification or misuse of accreditation, as well as attempts to access the summit venue without proper authorisation, will not be tolerated.

“No person should attempt to test the security arrangements around the summit,” NATJOINTS said. 

It added that comprehensive security measures were in place to detect and prevent attempts to compromise the safety and security of delegates, Heads of State, government officials, accredited participants and members of the public.

Meanwhile, NATJOINTS said it was aware of plans for marches and other public gatherings in and around Durban during the summit period, with security and law-enforcement plans in place to manage these activities.

“NATJOINTS respects the constitutional right to protest peacefully and lawfully. However, there will be no tolerance for criminality, violence, intimidation, threats, destruction of property, attempts to breach restricted areas or any deliberate effort to disrupt the proceedings of the summit,” NATJOINTS said. 

Those participating in marches and gatherings have been urged to comply with the law and instructions issued by law-enforcement officers. 

NATJOINTS said it would not allow legitimate gatherings to be exploited to undermine the safety, security and integrity of the summit.

“The message from NATJOINTS is clear: the 46th SADC Summit will proceed as planned. Security measures remain firmly in place, and anyone attempting to compromise the summit will face the full might of the law,” NATJOINTS said. 

The structure has also called on all accredited persons to safeguard their accreditation and not share, exchange, lend or transfer it to another person.

“The security of the summit, its delegates and all participants remain the priority of NATJOINTS.” – SAnews.gov.za

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From exploring the prehistoric world of dinosaurs that once roamed the wide-open plains of the Free State, to taking in breathtaking views of the Maluti Mountains on horseback or on foot, visitors to Golden Gate Highlands National Park now have another way to experience the beauty of the landscape: from above.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has added ziplining to the park’s adventure offering, allowing thrill-seekers to soar across seven cables and between elevated platforms, with each section offering a new perspective of the dramatic Golden Gate Highlands landscape.

The experience combines adventure with spectacular scenery, offering visitors panoramic views, an exhilarating ride, and a unique way to explore the Highlands — all supported by professional-grade harnesses, equipment, and trained guides.

The zipline is expected to boost tourism in Clarens and has created 20 jobs for residents.

“We have made sure that we hire staff locally. All our staff are local, from Clarens and the Free State. We want to promote local employment, training and skills development because all our guides receive specific skills training, certification and first-aid training.

“We foresee that this activity is going to be busy, so we have 10 people in training, which takes between six and 12 months,” Golden Gate Zipline Director Mika Lutchman told SAnews during an interview.

The business is expected to be a new income stream for SANParks and also increase the occupancy rate of the Golden Gate accommodation offerings.

Lutchman stressed that the introduction of the zipline was guided by efforts to protect the park’s natural and cultural heritage.

Environmental considerations and impact assessments formed part of the planning and development of the attraction, which took about two years to establish.

“It was very important for us to develop a sustainable product, one that is in symbiosis with the environment in which it finds itself. It was important for us not to disturb vegetation or protected species, and not to damage rock.

“Together with our architects and engineers, we tried to implement our design with minimal disturbance. That was the goal,” Lutchman said.

She explained that the cables had been designed to blend into the surroundings without detracting from the park’s scenery.

“The cable is not imposing on the vista and has been designed not to ruin the aesthetics of the mountain, the vistas, the waterfalls, the dams or the rivers. The platforms are made from sustainable materials such as wood, rather than invasive materials like steel, which can corrode and harm the surrounding environment,” Lutchman said.

She assured visitors that stringent safety measures are in place, with regular inspections and certification of the equipment and infrastructure.

“We have strict engineers’ reports, riggers who sign off on the cable, and people who certify the equipment that we use. All of this is done regularly, at set intervals. We conduct safety checks on the cable every day and weekly safety checks as well. Safety is the number one priority,” Lutchman emphasised.

For 22-year-old Lukholo Mazibuko, the experience was both nerve-racking and exhilarating.

“I got to experience four ziplines, I believe, starting from 650 metres. There is just something about getting to the top; they are strapping you in, the nerves are kicking in, and your stomach is turning. But once I was pushed down the zipline, it was such a lovely experience,” she said.

SANParks Managing Executive for Tourism Development and Marketing, Kaula Nyilenda-Mphaphuli, said the new attraction forms part of efforts to position Golden Gate Highlands National Park as an adventure tourism destination.

“We are known largely for cultural heritage conservation, but we want visitors to know that there is much more that we offer here. We have the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre, exciting hiking trails, horse-riding activities and much more.

“It is an amalgamation of various experiences that makes it a one-of-a-kind destination. The Highlands are not a one-trick pony. It is a place where you can experience cultural heritage and adventure,” Nyilenda-Mphaphuli said.

SANParks currently highlights the park’s hiking trails, horse riding and Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre among its visitor activities, alongside its broader natural and cultural heritage offering.

Nyilenda-Mphaphuli encouraged both international and local tourists to explore some of South Africa’s lesser-known national parks.

“There is more to South Africa, and that is the beauty of South Africa. We have partnered with Golden Gate Zip Line to manage the activity. This has created economic opportunities and become a catalyst for job creation in the area,” Nyilenda-Mphaphuli said.

For Tebello Mothapo from Quad Ventures, the Golden Gate ziplining experience offers something different for adventure-seekers, particularly young people.

“As tour operators, we tend to offer the same thing, but the ziplining experience is something authentic that young people will enjoy. Our main target market is the youth. We are trying to get more young people to travel in South Africa.

“The Free State has this experience that is out of this world. I am an adrenaline junkie; I could feel the rush, the energy, and the wind blowing on my face. I had a blast,” Mothapo said.

To book the zipline experience, visit: https://goldengatezipline.co.za/. – SAnews.gov.za

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A strong attendance of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government is expected at the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit in Durban on Monday, with countries unable to send their Heads of State expected to be represented by Prime Ministers and senior government officials.

Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Thandi Moraka said the region could look forward to the participation of several Heads of State, while acknowledging that Zambia would be an exception following its recent elections.

“Let’s indicate that there is serious attendance of various Heads of State. Botswana will send the President, the President of Mozambique will be coming and other Member States [will be] here,” Moraka told the media on Saturday evening. 

She said countries whose Heads of State were unable to attend would send Prime Ministers and other senior representatives.

Moraka said Zambia would not be represented by its Head of State, as that country is still concluding its electoral process.

“We want to take this opportunity to wish [Zambia] all the best as they continue with the process of counting, and also declaring those elections free and fair, so that we can start working towards propelling this region of ours to the next trajectory of growth,” she said.

Migration on summit agenda

Moraka also confirmed that migration would be among the issues considered by SADC Heads of State and Government during the summit.

“I want to assure you that the issue of migration will also be on the agenda, and we believe that our Heads of State will reflect on it.”

Moraka said SADC leaders would need to take collective responsibility for addressing the root causes of migration across the region.

“So SADC Heads of State will have to reflect on it, and all of us will need to take collective responsibility on how do we address issues of the causes of migration, the root causes of migration, because, like I said, migration is a global phenomenon,” she said.

She said people move between countries for different reasons, including in search of better economic opportunities, while others are forced to migrate because of insecurity and conflict.

“So how do we then dwell into those issues within our agenda of summit and make sure that we address the root causes of migration?” Moraka said.

SADC decisions binding on member states 

Moraka also rejected perceptions that SADC agreements and decisions are not binding on Member States.

“We do have several treaties that are governing various fields within SADC, whether it’s on migration or on climate change or any other issue, we want to really deal with this myth that indicates that SADC as an organ doesn’t have binding powers to various member states,” she said. 

She said member states were obliged to adhere to the regulatory frameworks and decisions agreed upon within SADC.

“Once the decision is endorsed by SADC, it becomes binding to all the member states,” Moraka said.

She said decisions were reached collectively and on the basis of consensus, after which member states moved towards implementation. 

“We work together as a collective, and everything that we agree upon is on the basis of a consensus and immediately after that, we move towards implementation,” she said.

The 46th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government takes place in Durban on Monday, with South Africa assuming the substantive Chairship of the regional organisation. – SAnews.gov.za

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International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Thandi Moraka has called on media across Southern Africa to tell a broader story of regional integration, highlighting the deep cultural, historical and economic ties that bind SADC countries together.

Moraka was speaking at the SADC Media Welcome Cocktail and Documentary Launch at the Durban ICC on Saturday evening on the eve of the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government.

She said the region’s shared history, cultures, languages and patterns of migration had created strong connections between communities that predated the borders drawn during the colonial era.

“We need to also appreciate that we do not just share rivers and mountains. We also share cultures and languages that continue to move from KwaMashu and all the way going to Lilongwe. We are indeed one people of one region of SADC,” she said.

Moraka said these longstanding connections should inform how South Africans and citizens across the region understand migration and relations between neighbouring countries.

She reiterated that South Africa remained committed to welcoming people from across the continent, while stressing the importance of lawful migration.

“I want to reiterate the statement that is always said by our president, His Excellency Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, when he says South Africans are not xenophobic. South Africans are welcoming to those brothers and sisters who continue to come to our country through legal means,” she said.

Moraka urged the media to help promote a more informed understanding of migration and regional relations, while encouraging people entering South Africa to comply with the country’s immigration laws and regulations.

“We want to urge everyone [who] want[s] to come to South Africa to do that through legal means,” she said, calling for greater cooperation among SADC member states to “regularise issues of migration”.

She noted that migration was a global phenomenon, with people moving across borders for a range of reasons, including seeking economic opportunities and pursuing academic development.

Against this backdrop, Moraka said governments and the media had an important role to play in ensuring citizens understood migration and the regulatory frameworks governing the movement of people across borders.

Telling the wider SADC story

Moraka also challenged journalists to broaden coverage of SADC beyond crises and conflict, saying citizens needed to better understand the organisation’s work, aspirations and achievements.

“It should not be that a threshold for reporting about SADC is when there are crises around our region. Let us make it a point that we speak of the aspirations and the achievements of our community, not just only focusing on the hurdles that we continue to encounter as various member states,” she said.

She said stronger regional cooperation was essential as SADC countries confronted shared challenges, including climate change, youth unemployment and low economic growth.

For Moraka, effective communication was central to making regional integration meaningful to ordinary citizens.

“Communication is not an accessory to regional integration; it is an essential part of our regional integration.

“Citizens cannot support institutions that they do not understand. Communities cannot take ownership of initiatives they know nothing about. And young people cannot inherit values and aspirations that have never been shared with them,” she said.

The Deputy Minister called on journalists, editors, broadcasters, photographers, content creators and communicators covering SADC to help bridge the gap between regional institutions and citizens.

“You help bridge the distance between institutions and citizens. You help transform information into understanding. And you help ensure that regional integration remains people-centred rather than institution-centred,” she said.

Decades of regional solidarity

Moraka also launched the documentary, 30 Years of South Africa’s Contribution Towards Building a Common Future in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The documentary reflects on South Africa’s three decades of participation in SADC and seeks to preserve the history of regional solidarity while reconnecting younger generations with the organisation’s significance.

Moraka said South Africa’s democratic journey had been strengthened by the support of countries across the region and that the country’s future remained closely linked to the prosperity and stability of Southern Africa.

She urged media organisations to use the documentary to broaden public understanding of the region as South Africa assumes the substantive Chairship of SADC.

“Today, we want to entrust this story to you as various members of the media. Please take this documentary and turn it widely to the entire community of SADC. Tell it in an honest way.

“This is the SADC story that must be protected and preserved by all of us, and ultimately the story of the people of one region of SADC. And it is a story that is worth telling,” she said.

Moraka said the documentary should not mark the end of the conversation on regional integration, but rather the beginning of a wider dialogue that continues beyond the SADC Summit.

She expressed appreciation to the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), through the Strengthening National-Regional Linkages in SADC Programme, as well as DIRCO officials, interview participants and production teams who contributed to the documentary.

South Africa is hosting the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit in Durban, where regional leaders are expected to deliberate on peace and security, economic development, regional integration and other matters affecting Southern Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

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