The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat today, 06 October 2023 bid farewell to the Deputy Executive Secretary for Corporate Affairs (DES-CA), Ambassador Joseph Andre Nourrice who will be leaving the Secretariat during the month of October.
Ambassador Nourrice, a national of the Republic of Seychelles was sworn in as SADC DES-CA in Windhoek, Republic of Namibia, on 17th August 2018 during the 38th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit.
The SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration (DES-RI) Ms. Angele Makombo N`tumba, representing the SADC Executive Secretary at the farewell event praised Ambassador Nourrice for his unwavering commitment towards the attainment of the SADC Secretariat goals in support of regional integration and development.
In her remarks, Chairperson of the SADC Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Her Excellency Dr Beatriz Antónia Manuel de Morais, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to Botswana commended Ambassador Nourrice for carrying out his duties with outstanding cooperation and dedication, and for working closely with all SADC Member States in advancing regional aspirations.
Taking their turns, representatives of staff from the SADC Secretariat, who included Ms. Fafa Avafia, Director Finance and Mr. Joseph Kamwenyi, Senior Officer Project Management praised Ambassador Nourrice for his humility, sense of humour and exceptional leadership skills and most importantly for his diplomatic skills which enabled the Secretariat to navigate through challenging situations.
In bidding farewell, Ambassador Nourrice, who was accompanied by his wife Mrs Jourdane Nourrice, said he is leaving the SADC Secretariat filled with gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him to serve the SADC region in such a challenging position. He expressed gratitude to the SADC Secretariat staff, Member States and International Cooperating Partners for the support and cooperation during his tenure.
The outgoing SADC DES-CA is a seasoned diplomat. Prior to his appointment at the SADC Secretariat, he served as Resident High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa and non-resident Ambassador to Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola, COMESA as well as Designate Ambassador to SADC. Ambassador Nourrice has also served as Ambassador to the African Union with residence in Addis Ababa and as Seychelles Ambassador to Havana, Cuba.
As a leader responsible for administrative elements of the SADC Secretariat which include overseeing the administrative functions of the SADC Secretariat, Ambassador Nourrice will be remembered for championing workplace measures for preventing and managing COVID 19 within the SADC Secretariat.
Ambassador Nourrice will be replaced by Dr Judith Kateera, a citizen of the Republic of Zimbabwe who was sworn in on 17th August 2023 as the SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Corporate Affairs. The position of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Corporate Affairs oversees the functions of the directorate of Finance; Human Resources and Administration; Procurement Unit; and Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Unit.
The farewell function was attended by SADC Ambassadors and High Commissioners, Heads of Diplomatic Missions, International Cooperating Partners, and special guests of Ambassador Nourrice.
