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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

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

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