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<\/p>\nBy Thokozani Mazibuko<\/p>\n
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has appointed South Africa as its interim Chair following Madagascar\u2019s decision to relinquish the role due to ongoing political challenges, the regional bloc announced after a virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government held on Friday.<\/p>\n
Eswatini was represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Senator Pholile Shakantu.<\/p>\n
The Summit, convened to address leadership changes within the bloc, confirmed that South Africa will steer SADC until August 2026, while consultations are underway to identify a new Incoming Chairperson by the end of November.<\/p>\n
According to a communique issued after the meeting, SADC will continue implementing its 2025\u20132026 regional theme, \u201cAdvancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC.\u201d<\/p>\n
The theme, first adopted in Antananarivo in August, underscores the bloc\u2019s commitment to economic integration and climate-resilient development.<\/p>\n
The Summit also extended condolences to Madagascar and Tanzania following recent protests that claimed lives and destroyed infrastructure. It urged member states to uphold peace and constitutional order.<\/p>\n
SADC leaders congratulated newly elected presidents across the region, including Malawi\u2019s Arthur Peter Mutharika, Seychelles\u2019 Patrick Herminie, and Tanzania\u2019s Samia Suluhu Hassan, whose electoral victories in September and October mark a new chapter of leadership within the bloc.<\/p>\n
In a symbolic show of solidarity, Zimbabwe\u2019s President Emmerson Mnangagwa offered to host selected SADC meetings during the interim period, underscoring what observers describe as the region\u2019s \u201ccollective spirit of continuity.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speaking after the Summit, Eswatini\u2019s Foreign Affairs Minister, Senator Pholile Shakantu, reaffirmed the kingdom\u2019s support for the regional body\u2019s decision and emphasised the importance of stability and cooperation within SADC.<\/p>\n
\u201cEswatini stands in solidarity with the region during this transitional phase,\u201d she said. \u201cOur shared vision for economic transformation and regional integration remains firm.\u201d<\/p>\n
President Ramaphosa, now acting as SADC Chair, thanked member states for their trust, pledging to maintain momentum on key regional priorities such as industrialisation, infrastructure, and energy security.<\/p>\n
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\u201cSouthern Africa\u2019s resilience will be built through unity and coordinated action,\u201d Ramaphosa said during the closing session.<\/p>\n
The virtual summit, attended by 16 member states, highlighted SADC\u2019s ability to adapt to emerging political and economic realities while reinforcing its commitment to democratic governance and regional stability. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to steer the Southern African Development Community (SADC) towards stability, unity, and economic renewal during his tenure as Interim Chair of the regional bloc.<\/p>\n Speaking at the Extraordinary SADC Summit held virtually on November 7, Ramaphosa said his leadership would focus on deepening cooperation among member states, sustaining the momentum of industrialisation, and driving regional energy transition programmes.<\/p>\n \u201cSouthern Africa\u2019s resilience will be built through unity and coordinated action,\u201d Ramaphosa declared, outlining his vision for a region that thrives on collaboration and sustainable growth.<\/p>\n He pledged continuity of existing initiatives launched under Madagascar\u2019s chairmanship, particularly those aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, expanding renewable energy access, and enhancing cross-border trade.<\/p>\n The Summit confirmed South Africa\u2019s assumption of the SADC Chair after Madagascar relinquished its role due to internal political developments.<\/p>\n The regional body also agreed to continue implementing the 2025\u20132026 theme, \u201cAdvancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC,\u201d until August 2026.<\/p>\n Ramaphosa\u2019s pledge was met with support from fellow leaders, including Eswatini\u2019s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Senator Pholile Shakantu, who reaffirmed the kingdom\u2019s commitment to SADC\u2019s collective goals.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a region, we must remain focused on strengthening our economies and ensuring no member state is left behind,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Analysts say Ramaphosa\u2019s leadership will be crucial in maintaining regional cohesion amid shifting political dynamics and pressing economic challenges.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"By Thokozani Mazibuko The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has appointed South Africa as its interim Chair following…","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5452,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"csco_display_header_overlay":false,"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","csco_page_load_nextpost":"","csco_post_video_location":[],"csco_post_video_location_hash":"","csco_post_video_url":"","csco_post_video_bg_start_time":0,"csco_post_video_bg_end_time":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[47,24,25,59],"tags":[46,73,58,86],"class_list":["post-5446","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-africa","category-future","category-national","category-technology","tag-africa","tag-eswatini","tag-national","tag-sadc","cs-entry","cs-video-wrap"],"yoast_head":"\n
SA president pledges stability and economic renewal<\/strong><\/p>\n