Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa takes helm as SADC Chairperson, promises unity and progress

TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA 

HARARE – Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been appointed the 34th Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) during the SADC Heads of State Summit. The ceremony took place at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden on Saturday, August 17, 2024.

President Mnangagwa delivering his acceptance speech during the summit. 

President Mnangagwa succeeds Angolan President João Lourenço, who expressed gratitude to Mnangagwa and the people of Zimbabwe for their warm hospitality in hosting the 44th SADC Summit. 

President Lourenço delivering his address 

In accepting his new position, President Mnangagwa said he takes over with humility and grace.

"On behalf of the people and the government of Zimbabwe, I take over the mantle of chairmanship (sic) as Chairperson of SADC, with humility and grace," the president said. 

"I look forward your Excellencies to your invaluable support," he added, expressing the hope to tap from the "experiences and counsel" of his counterparts "as we advance the regional agenda for the benefit of our SADC citizens". 

President Mnangagwa also thanked Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema for his role as Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation. 

Yesterday Hichilema participated in the SADC Troika Summit virtually from Lusaka alongside leaders from Tanzania and Namibia.

"Allow me to also acknowledge the dedication and leadership demonstrated by His Excellency Mr Haikande Hichilema in his capacity as Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation. 

"The Organ remains a critical cog in ensuring unity, constitutionalism, democracy, and rule of law as well as peace and security in line with the founding values and principles of SADC," Mnangagwa said. 

The SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation plays a pivotal role in maintaining peace and security in Southern Africa, addressing threats such as terrorism and transnational crime, while fostering regional integration and development.

In his opening remarks at the Summit, Mnangagwa highlighted the resilience of SADC countries in resisting external pressures against Zimbabwe. 

"My fellow SADC citizens, I feel greatly privileged to be addressing you all when I have been accorded the rare and huge responsibility to take hold of the reins of our revolutionary and transformative regional body, SADC," he declared, expressing Zimbabwe's honour in hosting the summit.