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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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The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has called for renewed vigilance, unity and solidarity to safeguard regional peace and stability amid an increasingly complex and unpredictable global political and security environment. 

SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi made the call on Saturday during his welcome remarks at the SADC Ministerial Committee of the Organ Troika meeting in Durban, which is preparing for the Organ Troika Summit scheduled for Sunday, 16 August 2026.

The meeting brings together Ministers and senior officials from the Organ Troika Member States to consider political and security developments in the region, with particular attention on Madagascar and Mozambique.

Magosi said that despite growing uncertainty globally, Southern Africa remained “mostly peaceful and stable”, but cautioned that the region’s peace should not be taken for granted.

“We meet at a time when the global political and security context is becoming more complex and unpredictable. This highlights the necessity for vigilance, unity, and ongoing solidarity,” he said. 

While acknowledging the relative peace enjoyed by the region, Magosi said SADC continued to closely monitor political and security developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar, while working to support Member States to achieve lasting peace, stability and security.

“The peace and stability we have should not be taken for granted. They result from the continuous efforts of this distinguished body, the SADC Organ, which recognises that peace, security, and strong political relations are necessary for creating an environment conducive to regional cooperation and integration,” he said.

Magosi urged the Ministerial Committee to use its deliberations to reaffirm the region’s commitment to strengthening peace and security, upholding democratic principles and positioning SADC as a symbol of stability, cooperation and shared prosperity.

Madagascar remains a key focus

Magosi devoted significant attention to Madagascar, where political changes, including leadership shifts and the establishment of a transitional authority in September 2025, created challenges for the country and regional stability.

He said SADC had responded through an Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit, a Fact-Finding Mission and dialogue and confidence-building initiatives involving the Panel of Elders and the Mediation Reference Group.

The Mediation Reference Group was led by former President of Malawi, Dr Joyce Banda, with the diplomatic efforts aimed at supporting the Malagasy people’s desire for lasting peace, national unity and reforms to strengthen democracy, uphold the rule of law and promote inclusive development.

Magosi said the experience in Madagascar had reinforced the importance of dialogue, mutual trust and inclusive participation in achieving sustainable peace.

“Experience has shown that sustainable peace relies on ongoing dialogue, mutual trust, and inclusive participation,” he said.

He stressed that all stakeholders in Madagascar needed to remain actively involved to sustain the progress achieved towards stability and democratic consolidation.

At a recent meeting in Salima, Malawi, the Ministerial Committee of the Organ recommended extending the mandate of the Panel of Elders and approved the establishment of a SADC Liaison Office in Antananarivo.

The establishment of the office is expected to support SADC’s engagement in Madagascar as the regional bloc works to improve dialogue, support reforms and build consensus among stakeholders.

“These shuttle diplomacy missions, reinforced the Malagasy people’s shared desire for lasting peace, national unity, and reforms to strengthen democracy, uphold the rule of law, and promote inclusive development,” Magosi said.

He said Madagascar’s progress had demonstrated the important role played by the Panel of Elders and the Mediation Reference Group in advancing SADC’s preventive diplomacy efforts.

To strengthen this capacity, the Ministerial Committee approved the nominations of former Botswana President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi and former Mozambican President Dr Joaquim Alberto Chissano to join the Panel.

Magosi said their leadership, diplomatic and regional experience would strengthen the regional bloc’s ability to respond to emerging challenges.

“Their extensive leadership, diplomatic, and regional experience will be invaluable in finding peaceful, inclusive solutions to new challenges across the SADC region,” he said.

SADC welcomes progress in Mozambique

Turning to Mozambique, Magosi commended the progress made in preserving peace and political stability following the country’s 2024 General Elections.

He welcomed Mozambique’s efforts to promote national unity through the Inclusive National Dialogue process and the establishment of mechanisms aimed at strengthening democratic participation, building public trust and promoting social cohesion.

“The progress achieved today demonstrate a shared determination to resolve differences through engagement and consensus, reflects all Mozambicans’ aspirations,” he said.

Although sporadic attacks continue in Cabo Delgado and surrounding areas, Magosi said the overall security situation showed promising signs of improvement.

He said these gains had contributed to greater stability, the return of displaced communities and renewed hope for recovery, reconstruction and socio-economic development.

The Ministerial Committee, he said, would consider how best to support Mozambique as it continues its efforts towards lasting peace, security, democratic consolidation and prosperity.

Leadership transition

Saturday’s meeting also marked a leadership transition within the Organ Troika.

Magosi thanked Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr George T. Chaponda, for his leadership and dedication as Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ over the past year.

He said Chaponda’s guidance had been instrumental in advancing the Organ’s objectives and strengthening collective efforts to promote peace, security and stability.

Magosi also expressed appreciation to Tanzania’s outgoing leadership, represented at the meeting by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation James Kinyasi Millya.

The meeting is the final MCO meeting in which Tanzania participates as a member of the Organ Troika.

“We deeply appreciate the vital role that the United Republic of Tanzania has played in strengthening regional cooperation and promoting peace and security in our region,” Magosi said.

He congratulated Eswatini’s incoming Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ, Senator Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and pledged SADC’s support as she assumes the role.

Magosi said he was confident that the incoming leadership would build on the Committee’s achievements and advance the shared objective of creating a peaceful, secure, stable and prosperous region.

Peace and security underpin development

Magosi said the Ministerial Committee meeting reaffirmed SADC’s solidarity and cooperation in confronting political and security challenges.

He stressed that peace and security were not only regional priorities in their own right, but also essential foundations for sustainable development, regional cooperation and shared prosperity.

“Today’s meeting reaffirms our solidarity and cooperation in confronting the political and security challenges facing our region,” he said.

“I am confident that our discussions will strengthen our determination to advance peace and security as the cornerstone of sustainable development and shared prosperity.”

The meeting programme included the observing of the national anthems of Malawi, SADC and the African Union, followed by Magosi’s welcome remarks and the opening remarks by Chaponda, who is Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee.

The ministers then proceeded into session, with the programme providing for the preparation and adoption of the record of the MCO meeting. 

The meeting will also facilitate preparations for the annotated agenda of the Organ Troika Summit.

The Organ Troika Summit on Sunday will provide an opportunity for regional leaders to consider the political and security situation in the SADC region and chart a collective response to challenges affecting peace, stability and democratic governance.

Magosi concluded by thanking the Senior Officials of the Organ Troika, led by Malawi’s Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Chauncy M. K. Simwaka, for their work in preparing the agenda.

He also commended the SADC Secretariat staff for their logistical support.

The Durban meeting comes as SADC prepares to further strengthen its regional peace and security architecture while supporting Member States facing political and security challenges, with the bloc’s preventive diplomacy and mediation mechanisms remaining central to its response. – SAnews.gov.za

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