Category: Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to use South Africa’s chairship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to deepen regional economic integration and advance resilient, sustainable and inclusive industrialisation.

Accepting the SADC chairpersonship from Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the 46th Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in eThekwini on Monday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa assumed the responsibility with great humility and a deep sense of responsibility.

The handover marked the conclusion of Zimbabwe’s tenure and the beginning of South Africa’s leadership of the 16-member regional bloc.

President Ramaphosa said South Africa’s participation in SADC was deeply rooted in the region’s contribution to the country’s liberation.

“As a nation, we owe a debt of gratitude to the members of SADC and its predecessor, the Southern African Development Co-ordination Conference, for their contribution to the achievement of democracy in our country. Our participation in SADC is founded on this history,” the President said.

He said this history continued to underpin South Africa’s belief that the region’s future depended on working together.

“It is sustained by an abiding conviction that progress in our region will be secured only through unity, cooperation and solidarity,” President Ramaphosa said.

Driving regional economic integration

Setting out South Africa’s priorities for its tenure, President Ramaphosa pledged to work closely with all Member States while respecting the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect and consensus building.

He said South Africa would build on the work of previous SADC chairpersons and take forward efforts to achieve the bloc’s Vision 2050 and implement the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan.

A key focus would be strengthening economic ties across the region.

“We will seek greater integration of our economies, building ties of trade and investment that drive resilient, sustainable and inclusive industrialisation,” he said.

The commitment comes as SADC seeks to unlock the economic potential of its regional market by strengthening trade and investment links, industrial capacity and cross-border cooperation.

President Ramaphosa also committed South Africa to promoting peace, security and stability across the region, describing these as essential conditions for the wellbeing and development of its people.

Building on a legacy of solidarity

The President placed South Africa’s new role within the broader history of regional solidarity, expressing gratitude to outgoing Chairperson President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his leadership.

He also thanked the SADC Secretariat, led by Executive Secretary Elias Magosi, for supporting the Community’s work.

As South Africa assumes the chairpersonship, President Ramaphosa said the country would seek to ensure continuity while advancing the region’s long-term development priorities.

He said South Africa’s leadership would be guided by the same spirit of solidarity that brought the region together during the liberation struggle.

“As the Government and the people of South Africa, we are determined that through our Chairship and through our continued participation in SADC, we will be worthy of the struggles that were fought by the members of this Community for the achievement of our freedom,” he said.

South Africa’s chairship comes as the regional bloc seeks to accelerate implementation of its development agenda, strengthen regional integration and translate its shared vision into tangible economic opportunities for its more than 400 million people. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government officially opened in Durban on Monday, bringing together regional leaders for high-level discussions on strengthening integration, industrialisation and sustainable development across Southern Africa.

The Summit, hosted by South Africa under the theme: “Resilient, sustainable, and inclusive industrialisation through infrastructure development, agricultural and critical minerals transformation in pursuit of a just world”, places infrastructure development, agricultural transformation and the beneficiation of critical minerals at the centre of the region’s development agenda.

The official opening at the Durban International Convention Centre was marked by a celebration of Southern African unity and culture, setting a warm and reflective tone for the high-level gathering.

Acclaimed South African poet Lebo Mashile opened the proceedings with a moving poem dedicated to SADC, reflecting on the shared history, aspirations and interconnectedness of the region.

Her performance was followed by cultural presentations showcasing South Africa’s rich heritage, bringing a distinctly local character to the opening of the regional Summit.

The performances offered a reminder that beyond the political and economic agenda of SADC, the region is bound by a shared history, culture and collective aspirations.

A warm welcome from South Africa

Welcoming the regional leaders to South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa extended a warm greeting on behalf of the Government and people of the country.

“You have come not as strangers or visitors, but as brothers and sisters, as partners and as fellow custodians of a shared Southern African destiny,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa said the Summit was taking place at an important location in the history of African unity, noting that Durban was the city where the African Union was officially launched 24 years ago.

He also highlighted that the Summit was taking place exactly 34 years after the SADC Declaration and Treaty were signed in Windhoek, Namibia, on 17 August 1992.

“We therefore meet at the confluence of two defining moments in Africa’s history: the establishment of our Southern African Community and the birth of our continental Union,” he said.

Renewing the regional vision

President Ramaphosa said the historical milestones should serve as a reminder of the vision and determination of previous generations, while challenging current leaders to accelerate efforts to build an integrated and prosperous region.

“As SADC, we have embraced that vision. We gather at this Summit to give practical meaning to its promise: to transform borders into bridges, national economies into a shared market, and geographical proximity into shared prosperity,” the President said. 

He said the region had made important progress through initiatives such as the SADC Free Trade Area, the SADC Real-Time Gross Settlement System and the Southern African Power Pool.

However, he cautioned that the pace of transformation remained too slow.

“The people of our region are asking us to deliver the dividend of economic liberation. They want decent jobs, growing industries, reliable electricity, affordable food, quality healthcare, education and opportunities for young people,” President Ramaphosa said. 

He said the Summit must therefore focus on translating regional decisions into tangible improvements in people’s daily lives.

“Our communiqués must become construction sites, factories, power lines, water systems, laboratories, businesses and jobs,” he said. 

Building on solidarity 

President Ramaphosa also reflected on SADC’s history, describing the Community as having its roots in solidarity among Southern African countries during the struggle against colonialism, minority rule and apartheid. 

“The story of SADC is a story of the triumph of solidarity over division and adversity. Before we became a development community, we were a community of solidarity,” President Ramaphosa said. 

He called for this spirit of solidarity to now underpin efforts to deepen regional economic integration, strengthen infrastructure and energy cooperation, develop climate-resilient food systems and maximise the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.

He also stressed that peace, security and democratic stability remained essential to the region’s development.

“Peace without development is fragile. Development without peace is impossible,” he said.

President Ramaphosa called for continued investment in preventive diplomacy, mediation and political dialogue, as well as stronger regional cooperation in responding to security and health challenges. 

He also expressed solidarity with the Democratic Republic of Congo amid the Ebola outbreak, calling for stronger regional preparedness and an urgent humanitarian response. 

A shared future

Drawing on the imagery of a river system, President Ramaphosa said the strength of SADC lay in bringing together countries with different histories, identities and capabilities in pursuit of a common future. 

“Our Community is like a great river system. Each Member State is a tributary, with its own history, identity, character and strength,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa said deeper integration would not diminish the sovereignty of individual countries but would instead strengthen their collective ability to secure the wellbeing of their people.

“A tributary does not lose its identity when it joins a great river. It gains reach, depth and power.

“In the same way, regional integration does not diminish our sovereignty. It multiplies our collective capacity to secure the well-being of our people,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa concluded by urging leaders to ensure that the Summit was remembered not only for the declarations adopted, but for the decisions implemented.

“Let us turn our borders into bridges. Let us turn our resources into industries. Let us turn our youthful population into a powerful demographic dividend. Let us turn our solidarity into shared prosperity,” the President said. 

He subsequently declared the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community officially open. – SAnews.gov.za

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Africa’s future prosperity, development and economic growth require strong economic blocs that are integrated, says African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.

Youssouf delivered a statement during the opening session of the 46th Ordinary Summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government, which is currently underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, in Durban.

The  46th SADC Summit is being convened under the theme: “Resilient, sustainable and inclusive industrialisation through infrastructure development, agricultural and critical minerals transformation in pursuit of a just World”.

Youssouf said that the Abuja Treaty signed in 1991 identified regional integration as an important pillar for Africa’s growth and prosperity.

Now, three decades later, it is the responsibility of African leaders to “make that architecture work more effectively”.

“A stronger African Union needs strong regional economic communities and strong regional economic communities need an African Union capable of ensuring continental coherence and advancing our common priorities.

“Together, let us build an African institutional architecture that is clearer in its responsibilities, stronger in its coordination and, above all, more effective in delivering for our peoples,” Youssouf concluded.

Youssouf noted that SADC has “long been” a pillar of the continent’s march towards integration.

“SADC has long been a pillar of Africa’s integration project. It’s contribution to peace and security, regional integration, infrastructure development and economic transformation extends well beyond Southern Africa and contributes to the realisation of Agenda 2063.

“I am, therefore, particularly encouraged by the strengthening of cooperation between the [AU] Commission and SADC. In line with the 2021 Revised Protocol on relations between the African Union and the regional economic communities, our collaboration has become more regular, substantial and operational,” he noted.

He highlighted that SADC and the AU have worked with closer coordination to resolve the security challenges in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar.

“Consultations between the leadership of the African Union Commission and the regional economic communities have become more regular, while our mid-year coordination meetings are increasingly focused on substantive issues of coordination, implementation and complementarity.

“We must build on this progress,” Youssouf insisted.

A region at work

Delivering his statement, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Claver Gatete, told the gathering that Southern Africa already offers a glimpse of the industrial future sought by Africa.

He listed South Africa’s strong supply networks in the automotive sector, Botswana’s shift into diamond polishing, cutting and trading and Zimbabwe’s investment in lithium processing and others as a demonstration of a region at work.

“The ideas exist. Opportunities abound. What is needed is implementation supported by strategic investments, strong institutions and partnerships around the shared vision.

“Regional value chains must become the cornerstone of Africa’s industrial transformation. Because no single country possesses every resource, technology or capability required to compete globally.

“Together, SADC has the minerals, agriculture, energy, finance, ports, skills and markets needed to build competitive regional production networks,” Gatete said. – SAnews.gov.za

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The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), in collaboration with the Limpopo-Olifants Catchment Management Agency (LOCMA), is investigating the failure of a Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) at Samancor’s Dikwena Chrome mine, near Brits, in the North West.

The department and LOCMA were notified of a dam breach incident which occurred around 5:30pm on Thursday, 13 August 2026, and a team of engineers from the DWS Specialist Unit: Dam Safety Regulation, together with officials from LOCMA, was dispatched to the site.

The teams, alongside officials from the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), jointly conducted a joint assessment to determine the impact of the incident.

LOCMA is an agency established in terms of Section 78 of the National Water Act 36 of 1998 to manage water resources in the Limpopo-Olifants Water Management Area, which covers the area where the incident occurred.

According to the statement issued by Water and Sanitation, the failure occurred at Compartment 1B after its northern wall collapsed, resulting in the release of almost all the tailings/slimes stored in the compartment.

“Fortunately, the slimes were prevented from flowing towards the R566 provincial road by a railway line embankment and some berms in the adjacent Eland Mine. It can be confirmed that no casualties resulting from the tailings dam failure were reported; however, there was some damage to the mine’s infrastructure, the railway line, Eskom’s powerlines and pollution of an unnamed tributary,” Water and Sanitation spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, said. 

Water samples have been collected from the affected watercourse, with laboratory results still pending. 

As a precautionary measure, the department has issued a verbal directive to the mine to cease the deposition of tailings in any of its tailings dams while investigations into the failure of the facility are underway. 

Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina has reiterated her call to mining houses that own dams that meet the minimum requirements for classification as dams with a safety risk, as defined in the National Water Act, to register their tailings dams in order for the department to effectively play its oversight role. 

Mining companies requiring further information or clarity on the registration of tailings dams can contact the department’s Dam Safety Office at damsafety@dws.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) has made another breakthrough in the murder investigation of Umngeni Municipality Democratic Alliance (DA) Councillor Nhlalayenza Ndlovu, with the arrest of an additional suspect. 

The 44-year-old suspect was arrested on Saturday in the Mpophomeni area and was expected to appear before the Howick Magistrate’s Court on Monday.  

Ndlovu was murdered at his home in 2023, in full view of his wife and children.

The latest arrest brings the total number of suspects arrested and charged in connection with the murder to five.

“The PKTT investigation has established that Chief Simphiwe Zuma of Nxamalala in Impendle has been identified as the alleged mastermind who issued the hit order. Zuma remains in custody after being denied bail on two occasions,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement. 

A hitman and a coordinator linked to the murder have already pleaded guilty to their involvement. Their plea proceedings are expected to be finalised on 21 August 2026 in the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court.

“The KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team remains resolute in its pursuit of those who orchestrate and execute political killings. Investigations into the matter remain ongoing, and police will continue to pursue all outstanding leads to ensure that every person found to have played a role in this murder is brought before the courts.

“PKTT’s message is clear: political killings will not be tolerated and those who order, finance, facilitate or execute these murders will be pursued relentlessly and brought to justice,” the police said.

SAPS commends the investigative team for its continued work in ensuring that the Ndlovu family receives justice and that those responsible are held accountable. – SAnews.gov.za

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South African journalism has earned regional recognition, with two media professionals honoured for excellence at the 2026 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Media Awards in Durban on Monday.

The awards, presented on the sidelines of the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, celebrate outstanding journalism that advances understanding of regional integration, development and cooperation among SADC Member States.

Government has congratulated the two South African journalists on their achievement, describing the recognition as a reflection of the important role the media plays in strengthening regional understanding and cooperation.

The awards recognise media practitioners in four categories: Photo, Print, Television and Radio Journalism.  

Siyabulela Duda, a photojournalist at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) clinched second prize in the photo category, while Seakga Relebogile Tladi from Spunik Radio Africa, who works as a radio reporter, was awarded second prize in the radio category.

“Government extends its warmest congratulations to Messrs Duda and Tladi for this important achievement and for demonstrating the professionalism, creativity and commitment that characterise the best of South African journalism. 

“Their recognition is also a reflection of the important role played by the media in strengthening regional cooperation and promoting greater public understanding of the SADC agenda.

“Through compelling visual storytelling, radio journalism and other forms of reporting, journalists help connect citizens across the region and bring the work of SADC closer to communities,” the GCIS said in a statement. 

Duda was awarded second prize of US$1,000 for his entry captioned: “Former Deputy President of South Africa, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, congratulates newly inaugurated Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at State House in Windhoek, Namibia”.

The photo appeared under the headline: “Women’s Hour”. The entry highlighted the SADC region’s progress in placing women in high-level decision-making positions, including the Presidency.

Tladi won second prize of US$1,000 for his entry: “SADC Solidarity and Sanctions in Zimbabwe,” which analysed the impact of sanctions imposed on the Republic of Zimbabwe, a SADC Member State, and Zimbabwe’s resilience in the face of these sanctions.

The entry featured officials from SADC Member States, including Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe, who highlighted SADC’s solidarity with Zimbabwe and called for the lifting of the sanctions.

“The South African Government further commends all South African journalists who continue to report on regional and continental developments with integrity, professionalism and dedication.

“Government believes that a vibrant, ethical and professional media is essential to advancing informed public discourse, strengthening democracy and deepening people-to-people solidarity across the Southern African region,” the GCIS said.

The Government of South Africa wished Messrs Duda and Tladi continued success in their respective careers and congratulated them once again on this well-deserved recognition at the SADC Media Awards. – SAnews.gov.za

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