Durban: President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken the helm of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) as chairperson, placing accelerated infrastructure development, regional value chains, and critical minerals transformation at the very core of South Africa's chairship agenda. Ramaphosa accepted the chairship of the regional bloc during the 46th Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of SADC, held in Durban on Monday.
According to South African Government News Agency, the regional body underscored the deep interconnection of member states and the urgent need for regional collaboration and partnerships in a communique following the summit. 'Summit noted the evolving global geopolitical and economic landscape and urged Member States to leverage emerging opportunities to deepen regional integration, strengthen trade and investment, mobilise domestic resources, and strengthen collective resilience to advance sustainable development and the regional agenda,' the communique read.
On regional infrastructure, leaders were urged to expand economic corridors and modernise ports, railways, roads, and One-Stop Border Posts. These will serve as the backbone for accelerating and facilitating intra-SADC trade, particularly in agriculture, while building resilient regional supply networks and strengthening the bloc's competitiveness.
In a major step towards regional mobility and economic integration, SADC leaders approved the agreement establishing the SADC Tourism UNIVISA. 'The Summit approved the Agreement Establishing the SADC Tourism UNIVISA and called for its signature by Member States, recognising its importance in facilitating seamless travel across the region, enhancing tourism growth, promoting regional integration, and boosting economic development through increased visitor arrivals and investment,' it stated.
Reflecting on the foundational requirements for economic growth, the summit reaffirmed that regional prosperity remains tied to peace and democratic governance. 'The Summit reiterated its solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC] and reaffirmed SADC's support for coordinated regional and international efforts to restore peace and security, protect civilians, strengthen humanitarian and public health responses, promote inclusive dialogue, and enhance resilience to ongoing challenges,' the communique read.
In response to pressing public health challenges, including the outbreak of Ebola in the DRC, member states were urged to strengthen regional disease surveillance and coordinated response mechanisms. 'The Summit urged Member States to strengthen disease surveillance and preparedness to prevent, detect and respond to outbreaks and pandemics, including through timely information sharing and coordinated regional action and called for continued support to the [DRC] in responding to the Ebola Outbreak,' the communique stated.
Additionally, the Summit urged member states to accelerate the advancement of women into leadership roles and called for the protection of women against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. South Africa was congratulated on hosting a successful 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government. '[The Summit also] congratulated the country on the launch of a documentary showcasing the progress of regional integration and South Africa's role in advancing the objectives of SADC since joining the Community in 1994,' the communique concluded.
The Republic of Zambia will host SADC's 47th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government.