By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) President Emmerson Mnangagwa, will be undertaking a working visit to the SADC Secretariat Headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana on December 13, 2024.
This visit comes as part of the customary practice for SADC chairpersons to engage with the Secretariat during their tenure, a move aimed at appreciating its contributions towards regional integration and providing direction for the implementation of SADC programs.
SADC made the announcement on its official website, highlighting that the upcoming visit will afford the chairperson a chance to be briefed on the status of various SADC initiatives and their alignment with the summit’s theme: “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development towards an Industrialised SADC.”
The visit will also mark a significant milestone, as President Mnangagwa and President Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana are set to receive the newly completed SADC Headquarters building from Bongwe Investments Proprietary Limited on behalf of the SADC Heads of State and Government.
This facility has been developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement involving SADC, Bongwe Investments, and the Botswana government as the guarantor.
Additionally, the leaders will take part in a ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the SADC Standby Force Regional Logistics Depot (RLD) in Rasesa village, located 40 km from Gaborone.
This depot will serve a critical role in providing storage for materials, equipment, and other resources essential for the SADC Standby Force during peace support and humanitarian missions.
As the Chairperson, President Mnangagwa holds a pivotal role in the governance structure of SADC, tasked with providing policy direction and overseeing the operational functions of the organization.
The visit underscores the ongoing commitment of SADC leaders to enhance collaboration and strengthen regional stability and development efforts.