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Kizito Sikuka Correspondent
IF  it was not for the official programme which clearly talked of “Maiden Speeches”, no one would have known that Presidents João Lourenço of Angola, Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe were addressing the Sadc Summit for the first time.

This is because the four presidents spoke with authority and exhibited good knowledge on regional integration and the need to continue pushing forward the ideals of the founding fathers of Sadc.

In fact, two of the leaders, namely Ramaphosa and Lourenço, were already serving in two of the most senior positions in Sadc.

Ramaphosa was the then Sadc chairperson, while Lourenço was the chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, which is responsible for promoting peace and security in the Sadc region.

In his address, President Mnangagwa said regional integration was key to sustainable development, and Zimbabwe remains committed to playing its part in advancing the common goals of Sadc.

Mnangagwa, who became the President of Zimbabwe in November 2017 following the resignation of former leader Robert Mugabe, said the country would continue to count on the support and solidarity from Sadc in championing its own development trajectory.

“I wish to assure you of Zimbabwe’s full commitment and support for the objectives of our organisation Sadc, in particular the region’s agenda for regional integration, industrialisation, sustainable economic development, peace, security, democracy and good governance,” he said.

“Let us continue to work together to make Sadc the pride of Africa.”

President Ramaphosa concurred, saying it is “only through collective action and shared accountability” that the region will achieve its long-standing goal of a united, prosperous and integrated Sadc.

In this regard, South Africa places greater value in the regional integration agenda.

“In promoting our own national objectives, South Africa values the critical role Sadc plays as an instrument of regional development and integration,” he said.

Ramaphosa, who became South African president on February15, following the resignation of Jacob Zuma, said his country was “firmly committed to play its part in building a better Sadc, a better Africa and a better world.”

President Masisi paid special tribute to the founding fathers of Sadc, saying the region was enjoying their vision and dedication.

“I wish to take this opportunity to pledge my unwavering commitment to the Sadc regional integration agenda,” said Masisi, who became the fifth president of Botswana in April.

He said a lot of benefits had been realised by the region, especially in areas such as trade and peace and security.

However, Masisi said it was critical for the region to implement all “agreed Sadc priorities and principles in order to improve the livelihoods of our people.”

President Lourenço said the consolidation and promotion of peace in southern Africa was pivotal in ensuring that the regional integration agenda was a success.

He said during his tenure as chair of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Angola focused on addressing some pockets of instability in the region so that the peace dividend in Sadc was enjoyed by all member states.

The “Maiden Speeches” session is accorded to all Heads of State and Government who will be attending the summit for the first time, providing them with an opportunity to address the summit and give a detailed overview of their vision towards regional integration and development.

The 38th Summit of Sadc Heads of State and Government was held under the theme “Promoting Infrastructure Development and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development.”

The theme builds on the focus of the past four Sadc summits that sought to advance industrial development, and takes into account the need for adequate infrastructure to support industrialisation as well as the importance of engaging the youths, who are the bulk of the Sadc population.

At the summit, Namibian President Hage Geingob took over the Sadc chair from his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa. – sardc.net