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The stage is set, comprehensive preparations have been finalised and Durban is prepared to host the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC).

The summit kicks off today at the ICC in Durban, with leaders from around the regional bloc poised to engage on matters that will impact the future of Southern Africa and its people.

At a welcoming dinner hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa for the regional leaders, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola highlighted the coastal city’s historic role as a hub of regional unity, struggle and diversity.

Lamola described the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC as a fitting host for the summit, particularly with regard to the liberation hero it is named after.

Speaking on the life of Inkosi Albert Luthuli, Lamola described the leader’s life as a reflection of the “interconnected character of Southern Africa” even before the words ‘regional integration’ entered the Southern African lexicon.

Luthuli was born near Bulawayo, which is in present day Zimbabwe, into a family with roots in then Natal and he later returned to the province as a teacher, traditional leader and a President-General of the African National Congress.

“His life reminds us of the bonds that connect the peoples of this region. Durban itself is a repository of that history. Here in Durban, women, some with roots extending beyond South Africa, rose against a regime that sought to dispossess them of one of the few economic activities open to African women as the time, the sale of traditional beer.

“It was also here that workers carried the struggle for dignity and democracy…mostly notable during the Durban strikes of 1973. A year later, Durban was a sight of one of the two Viva Frelimo rallies planned in 1974 to celebrate a major breakthrough of Mozambique’s struggles against Portuguese colonialism,” Lamola said.

The minister added that the city itself is a reflection of South Africa’s diversity and the “many hands that build our cities, drawn from across South Africa, across our region and from as far afield as the Indian subcontinent”. 

“This history makes Durban a fitting place from which to imagine the future of our region – a peaceful and inclusive region in which all our people can enjoy sustainable economic wellbeing, justice and freedom.

“[Today] the hard work begins of the summit. We will confront important questions about the state of our region and the progress we are making towards Vision 2050,” Lamola stated.

Safe and secure

Meanwhile, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe has moved to assure heads of state, officials and delegates that security measures are in place to ensure a smooth event, adding that police have left nothing to chance with meticulous planning.

“We are aware of the planned marches ahead of the heads of state meeting and we can assure the people of…South Africa that we have put adequate and sufficient measures in place to ensure that there are no disruptions to this regional event.

“We are urging the demonstrators and protestors to respect the rule of law and to protest peacefully and lawfully. We will not allow any criminal incidents and activities, we will not allow intimidation, disruptions and threats that are being made to various Heads of State.

“We would like to assure the participants of the summit that the measures that we have put in place are quite sufficient, they are adequate, we have enough members on the ground to ensure that this event takes place without any major incident,” Mathe stated.

She noted that police have been hard at work at all summit build-up events and meetings with no disruptions or incidents reported.

“The NATJOINTS [National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure] has a proven track record of ensuring the safety and security of major events in the country so we are quite confident that this event, too, will take place in a safe and secure environment,” Mathe assured. – SAnews.gov.za

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to late African National Congress (ANC) President Oliver Reginald Tambo, highlighting his enduring contribution to South Africa’s liberation and the solidarity of Southern African countries in the struggle against apartheid.

President Ramaphosa on Sunday joined Heads of State and Government from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region for a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of O.R. Tambo at OR Tambo Square in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal.

The ceremony was held on the margins of the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, which is taking place in Durban this weekend. 

President Ramaphosa was received at the ceremony by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola and eThekwini Executive Mayor Cyril Xaba.

The wreath-laying honoured Tambo’s legacy as one of South Africa’s foremost liberation struggle leaders and recognised his leadership, sacrifice and international advocacy in the fight against apartheid.

It also highlighted his role in mobilising regional support for South Africa’s liberation struggle and advancing solidarity among the countries of Southern Africa.

Delivering the opening remarks, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the ceremony was an opportunity to honour the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Southern Africa.

“I take this opportunity to welcome you to the wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the fallen heroes for the struggle of the countries of Southern Africa in their totality. We do this at the foot of the statue of President General Reginald Oliver Tambo of the African National Congress, who led the ANC during their years in exile and made sure that he mobilised the region… to make sure that they support South Africa to live in their fight for freedom and liberation,” the Minister said. 

Ntshavheni said Tambo’s leadership extended beyond South Africa, with the former ANC President playing a significant role in mobilising the Frontline States [a coalition of Southern African nations formed in the 1970s to end apartheid, minority rule and colonialism] to support liberation efforts across the region.

“In the quest for the liberation of South Africa, the Frontline States worked together to make sure that other countries within the region also get their freedom..” Ntshavheni said. 

She said the region’s liberation came at a significant cost, with many men and women sacrificing their lives in the struggle against apartheid and destabilisation.

“In this, we honour the fallen heroes of the Matola massacre, of the Maseru massacre, of the Battle of Cuito Cuanavale and the many contributions that were made by other countries to the freedom and liberation of South Africa, but also for the region of SADC, the peace and stability we enjoy today as a region is because the men and women we are going to honour today sacrificed their lives for SADC to be free and to enjoy total liberty,” she said. 

The Minister said the wreath-laying ceremony also served as a reminder of the unity and common purpose that underpinned the region’s liberation struggle.

“As requests for the economic development and continued solidarity of SADC, this symbolism of wreath laying reminds us of our unity and unity of purpose,” she said. 

Following the welcome remarks, military honours were rendered before President Ramaphosa laid a wreath at the statue of Tambo alongside leaders from the SADC region.

The ceremony further underscored the continued relevance of Tambo’s legacy to SADC’s pursuit of peace, stability, regional integration and economic development.

Tambo, who led the ANC in exile for decades, was instrumental in building international support for the anti-apartheid struggle and strengthening relations with countries that supported South Africa’s liberation.

His contribution is closely associated with the solidarity extended by the Frontline States to South Africa and other liberation movements in the region.

The commemoration comes as SADC leaders gather in Durban, KwaZulu Natal to deliberate on matters affecting the region, including peace and security, development and regional integration.

The wreath-laying ceremony served as a reminder that the regional cooperation enjoyed today was forged through a shared history of struggle, sacrifice and solidarity. – SAnews.gov.za

Malawi has called on Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states to remain united in implementing decisions taken to strengthen peace, security, constitutional order and democratic governance, as it handed over the chairship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation to the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Closing the SADC Organ Troika Summit in Durban on Sunday, Malawi’s Second Vice President, Right Honourable Enoch Kanzingeni Chihana, said the recommendations adopted at the meeting would provide strategic guidance as the region works to address its peace and security challenges.

“The recommendations adopted during this meeting will provide strategic guidance to our region in pursuit of peace and security, entrenchment of a culture of democracy and people centred governance. I am confident that they reflect our shared determination to strengthen peace, security, constitutional order, and stability throughout the region,” Chihana said.

He urged Member States to ensure that the decisions reached during the meeting translate into action.

“As we depart from this meeting, let us remain united in purpose and steadfast in our commitment to implementing the decisions we have taken. Together, we can continue to build a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Southern African Community for the benefit of our peoples.”

Eswatini takes over

Chihana formally expressed confidence in Eswatini’s ability to lead the Organ, praising the incoming chair for its contribution to SADC’s peace and security architecture.

He said Eswatini has demonstrated its readiness to take on leadership responsibilities, including stepping in to lead a SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to Malawi following the country’s General Elections.

“I would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the Kingdom of Eswatini for the close cooperation and collaboration during our Chairship of the Organ. As Incoming Chair, Eswatini was more than ready to step in and serve as Chair whenever the situation warranted so,” he said.

Chihana recalled that Malawi held its General Elections shortly after joining the Troika as incoming chair, while Tanzania, the outgoing chair at the time, was also preparing for its own elections.

“Eswatini willingly stepped in to shoulder the responsibility of heading SEOM in Malawi, a task which was meticulously delivered. They were also able to deploy to subsequent missions in Tanzania and Seychelles,” he said. 

He said Malawi was therefore confident that the Organ was being handed over to capable leadership.

“We are, therefore, confident that we are leaving the mantle in good and tested hands as the Kingdom assumes the Chairship of the Organ Troika,” Chihana said.

Tanzania commended

Chihana also paid tribute to Tanzania for its three-year tenure as a member of the Troika, including its period as chair from 2024 to 2025.

He said Tanzania had served the region during a period marked by significant challenges, particularly the security situations in Mozambique and eastern DRC.

“Before I conclude my remarks, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the United Republic of Tanzania for the excellent manner in which they served the Organ during their three-year tenure of Troika membership, which included Chairing the Organ from 2024 to 2025.”

He also highlighted Tanzania’s role in leading SADC Electoral Observation Missions to elections across the region.

Focus on regional peace and security

The outgoing chair said the Troika’s deliberations had demonstrated SADC’s resolve to address regional challenges through dialogue, cooperation and solidarity.

“Today’s deliberations have demonstrated our collective resolve to address regional challenges through dialogue, cooperation, and mutual solidarity,” he said. 

Chihana said the discussions reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to peace, security, democratic governance and stability.

“The frank and insightful exchanges we have just held reaffirm SADC’s enduring commitment to promoting peace, security, democratic governance, and stability across our region,” Chihana said.

He thanked the SADC Secretariat for its technical and administrative support and commended South Africa for providing facilities that enabled the successful hosting of the meetings in Durban.

Chihana’s closing remarks marked the conclusion of Malawi’s tenure as chair of the SADC Organ Troika, with Eswatini now taking over the responsibility of guiding the regional bloc’s politics, defence and security cooperation agenda. – SAnews.gov.za

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