Durban: The 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government officially opened in Durban on Monday, bringing together regional leaders for high-level discussions on strengthening integration, industrialisation, and sustainable development across Southern Africa.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Summit, hosted by South Africa under the theme: 'Resilient, sustainable, and inclusive industrialisation through infrastructure development, agricultural and critical minerals transformation in pursuit of a just world', places infrastructure development, agricultural transformation, and the beneficiation of critical minerals at the center of the region's development agenda.
The official opening at the Durban International Convention Centre was marked by a celebration of Southern African unity and culture, setting a warm and reflective tone for the high-level gathering. Acclaimed South African poet Lebo Mashile opened the proceedings with a moving poem dedicated to SADC, reflecting on the shared history, aspirations, and interconnectedness of the region.
Her performance was followed by cultural presentations showcasing South Africa's rich heritage, bringing a distinctly local character to the opening of the regional Summit. The performances offered a reminder that beyond the political and economic agenda of SADC, the region is bound by a shared history, culture, and collective aspirations.
Welcoming the regional leaders to South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa extended a warm greeting on behalf of the Government and people of the country. 'You have come not as strangers or visitors, but as brothers and sisters, as partners and as fellow custodians of a shared Southern African destiny,' the President said.
President Ramaphosa noted that the Summit was taking place at an important location in the history of African unity, mentioning that Durban was the city where the African Union was officially launched 24 years ago. He also highlighted that the Summit coincided with the 34th anniversary of the SADC Declaration and Treaty signed in Windhoek, Namibia, on 17 August 1992.
He called for the historical milestones to serve as a reminder of the vision and determination of previous generations, while challenging current leaders to accelerate efforts to build an integrated and prosperous region. 'As SADC, we have embraced that vision. We gather at this Summit to give practical meaning to its promise: to transform borders into bridges, national economies into a shared market, and geographical proximity into shared prosperity,' the President said.
President Ramaphosa acknowledged important progress through initiatives such as the SADC Free Trade Area, the SADC Real-Time Gross Settlement System, and the Southern African Power Pool. However, he cautioned that the pace of transformation remained too slow, urging for tangible improvements in people's daily lives.
He reflected on SADC's history, describing the Community as having its roots in solidarity among Southern African countries during the struggle against colonialism, minority rule, and apartheid. 'The story of SADC is a story of the triumph of solidarity over division and adversity. Before we became a development community, we were a community of solidarity,' President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of regional economic integration, infrastructure, and energy cooperation, along with the development of climate-resilient food systems and opportunities from the African Continental Free Trade Area. He emphasized the essential ties between peace, security, and development in the region.
He called for continued investment in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and political dialogue, as well as stronger regional cooperation in responding to security and health challenges. Expressing solidarity with the Democratic Republic of Congo amid the Ebola outbreak, he called for stronger regional preparedness and an urgent humanitarian response.
Drawing on the imagery of a river system, President Ramaphosa emphasized the strength of SADC's unity in diversity. 'Our Community is like a great river system. Each Member State is a tributary, with its own history, identity, character, and strength,' he said. He concluded by urging leaders to ensure that the Summit was remembered not only for the declarations adopted but for the decisions implemented.
President Ramaphosa then declared the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community officially open.