SADC Executive Secretary Pays Courtesy Call on Zimbabwean President as Nation Prepares to Assume SADC Chairship
On May 22, 2024, the Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), His Excellency Mr. Elias M. Magosi, paid a courtesy call on the incoming Chairperson of SADC, His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
This visit comes as Zimbabwe prepares to assume the rotational Chairship of SADC at the 44th Summit of Heads of State and Government in August 2024.
President Mnangagwa will take over the SADC Chairmanship from the current Chairperson, His Excellency President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola.
As the Chairperson, President Mnangagwa will provide policy direction and oversee the functions of SADC, playing a crucial role in the governance of the regional body.
During the meeting at the State House, President Mnangagwa reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to SADC principles, particularly in fostering peace and security, which are essential for achieving regional integration and sustainable socio-economic development.
He assured H.E. Magosi that preparations for the 44th SADC Summit and associated events were progressing well, expressing his eagerness to host a successful summit and to drive forward SADC’s regional integration and development agendas.
H.E. Magosi briefed President Mnangagwa on several key issues pertinent to Zimbabwe’s upcoming Chairship. These included an overview of Zimbabwe’s responsibilities in hosting SADC meetings, the legal frameworks governing SADC operations, and the institutional arrangements outlined in the SADC Treaty.
He also updated the President on the operations of the Secretariat and the status of implementing regional programmes as per the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP 2020-2030).
Additionally, H.E. Magosi presented the Annual Report of the Executive Secretary of SADC for the period 2022 to 2023 to President Mnangagwa.
The President was joined by key officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Dr. Frederick Musiiwa Makamure Shava, Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Botswana, H.E. Batiraishe Henry Mukonoweshuro, and the SADC National Contact Point for Zimbabwe, Ms. Petronellar Nyagura.
While in Zimbabwe, the SADC Executive Secretary also paid courtesy calls on Vice President General (Retired) Dr. Constantino Chiwenga, Chairperson of the national interministerial preparatory committee for the 44th SADC Summit, and Ambassador Albert Ranganai Chimbindi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
H.E. Magosi’s visit included a stop at the SADC Regional Peacekeeping Training Centre (RPTC), where he consulted with Commandant Rear Admiral Gottlieb Pandeni.
He also visited Geo Pomona Waste Management Private Limited, a hub for sustainable waste-to-energy solutions, and the Museum of African Liberation, a collaborative project between Zimbabwe and the Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK).
The Executive Secretary was accompanied by key SADC officials, including Dr. Mubita Luwabelwa, Director for Policy Planning and Resource Mobilisation, Mr. Sadwick Mtonakutha, Director for Finance, Investment, and Customs, and Ms. Barbara Lopi, Head of Communications and Public Relations.
Source: SADC
