The 21st meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Standing Aviation Committee (SAC) took place in Cape Town, South Africa from 27 - 28 February 2024. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss security and defence matters, disaster response, and humanitarian efforts, with a focus on improving peace and security in the region, particularly in the aviation sector.
The meeting was convened in accordance with the principles of the SADC Inter-State Defence and Security Committee (ISDSC), which serves as a platform for cooperation in defence and security and plays a crucial role in coordinating peace and security efforts in the region.
In his remarks as the Guest of Honor, General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the National Defence Force of the Republic of South Africa emphasised the commitment demonstrated by Member States in fostering peace, stability and prosperity in the region through a shared vision and unified resilience.
General Maphwanya highlighted the role of SAC as a forum that is instrumental in exchanging insights, strategies, strengthen regional aviation capabilities, address common concerns, and promotes the well-being and interests of SADC Member States.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of making concrete decisions to mitigate risks and challenges facing the region, particularly the fight against terrorism in the Cabo Delgado Province in Mozambique and rebel occupance in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He called on the region to invest in aviation infrastructure, workforce recruitment and retention, and enhancement of the aerospace industry to effectively address evolving global security trends and safeguard regional territories.
Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo, Chief of the Air Force of the Republic of South Africa and Chairperson of SAC underlined the significance of the meeting in addressing issues which are pertinent in the contribution to regional integration agenda.
Lt Gen Mbambo emphasised that the SAC meeting plays a pivotal role in strengthening the operations of the peace and security sector, which is a fundamental pillar for the SADC region.
He commended Member States for their commitment to finding solutions to the challenges of security and for their continuous willingness to address areas of concern and explore resolutions that would foster peace and tranquility through a collaborative effort.
Among other issues, the SAC considered and reviewed key strategic activities and programmes, pledged commitment to sharing operational expertise, addressing challenges, assessing the much-needed resources and fostering camaraderie among the regional forces and troops.
The SAC meeting was preceded by the meeting of SAC working group, which took place from 25-26 February 2024, to clear documents and provide technical expertise.
The SAC meeting was attended by Chiefs of the Air Force or their representatives from the following Member States: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The outcomes of the SAC meeting would form the basis of discussions at the upcoming Defence Sub-Committee (DSC) meeting scheduled during the mid-year in 2024.
A moment of silence was observed in memory of the late H.E Hage Gottfried Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, who made significant contributions to the region through his inspirational leadership. H.E Geingob served as the Chairperson of SADC in 2028/19 and the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense, and Security in 2022/23.
