President’s SADC chairmanship to boost regional integration
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
chairman of the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration and African Union Commission (AUC) nominee, Dr George Manyaya, has hailed President Mnangagwa’s SADC chairmanship as a significant boost to regional integration.
He said the President’s position dovetails with the African Union’s long-term development blueprint, Agenda 2063.
Speaking on the sidelines of the official opening of the Hwedza-Mushandirapamwe road yesterday, Dr Manyaya, who is vying for the AUC’s Infrastructure and Energy Commissioner post, said President Mnangagwa will bring unprecedented development and growth to the region.
“I believe that President Mnangagwa’s assumption of the SADC chair will significantly enhance regional integration, aligning with the AU’s 2063 agenda and its 7 aspirations and 20 goals.
“His transformative leadership has already sparked an infrastructural revolution in Zimbabwe, including road development funded by ZINARA.”
Dr Manyaya also cited several developmental projects initiated by President Mnangagwa, which he believes demonstrate his capacity to elevate the region.
“He has championed sustainable energy solutions, such as the Hwange units 7 and 8 projects. “His efforts align with the AU’s objectives to integrate reliable transport networks to boost intra-African trade and increase access to energy, leveraging our vast hydro potential in the Zambezi and Kafue basins through collaborative operations,” Dr Manyaya added.
President Mnangagwa officially received the SADC chairmanship badge from outgoing chair President Joao Manuel Goncalves of Angola last week at the bloc’s Heads of State and Government Summit held at the new Parliament Building in Mt Hampden.
In his acceptance speech, President Mnangagwa said: “The SADC region must be confident in its abilities, as the region should be modernised and industrialised by its own citizens. ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo.’
“Likewise, our region SADC will be modernised and industrialised by its own citizens, through our individual and collective efforts. Those who seek to help us are welcome; however, they must do so on our terms, guided by our priorities and respecting our sovereignty.
“I, therefore, challenge my fellow citizens of the region to remain unapologetic and confident in who we are, as a people and in our God-given abilities. Through unity and hard, honest work, nothing is impossible.”
Dr Manyaya is among four Zimbabweans nominated for consideration to the senior leadership of the African Union Commission.
He will compete with three others from South Africa, Mozambique and Cameroon for the position of Commissioner of Infrastructure and Energy.
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