SADC Summit draws to a close

The closing ceremony of the 36th Ordinary meeting of the Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) was held at Lozitha, Royal Palace, Kingdom of Swaziland on the 31st August 2016.

Summit has elected His Majesty, King Mswati III, as Chairperson, and H.E. Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa as Deputy Chairperson of SADC. Summit also elected His Excellency Dr. John Pombe Magufuli President of the United Republic of Tanzania, and H.E Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, President of the Republic of Angola as Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, respectively.

His Majesty, King Mswati III, thanked their Excellences and delegates for attending the Summit and the opportunity to experience the culture and tradition of the Kingdom of Eswatini. The King stated that the Summit has deliberated on key regional issues which required attention as Heads of State and Government, and that they should pride themselves in the milestones that were achieved in some sectors.

“There is need for the region to intensify resource mobilization efforts in order to become a strong economic bloc. To have such a bloc is important if our continental vision of creating infrastructure that will enhance cooperation and integration is to be realized.”   He said.

In his closing remarks, the newly elected SADC Deputy Chairperson, and President of the Republic of South Africa Jacob Zuma thanked His Majesty, King Mswati III for hosting a successful Summit. He reiterated the commitment by the Government of the Republic of South Africa in supporting SADC to achieve its envisaged agenda. 

SADC Executive Secretary, Her Excellency Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax delivered the Summit Communiqué by highlighting the deliberations and decisions of the Summit as endorsed by Heads of State and Government.

The Summit closing ceremony was officially concluded by a Post-Summit media briefing by SADC Chairperson, His Excellency King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Swaziland.