What South Africa wants to achieve as it takes over SADC

South Africa is preparing to assume the chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) at the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit, set to convene in Durban on August 17. The summit will bring together leaders from the bloc's 16 member states to address key issues including migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation, and security.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to take up the chairmanship for the 2026/27 term, with South Africa seeking to leverage the leadership to advance regional integration and economic development.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola emphasized the importance of turning regional commitments into tangible outcomes, urging SADC countries to ratify the Protocol on the Facilitation of Movement of Persons. This protocol would provide a framework for smoother cross-border movement of people, addressing the growing tensions over irregular migration and border control.

South Africa aims to increase intra-SADC trade from around 20% to 50%, fostering greater regional trade, manufacturing, and investment as part of its industrialisation strategy. Critical minerals are a vital component of this plan, as SADC countries seek to capture more value from their resources rather than merely exporting raw materials.

Infrastructure development, such as transport corridors, energy, ports, digital networks, and water systems, will play a crucial role in supporting the push for industrialisation. SADC possesses significant mineral deposits that global industries are increasingly seeking. The summit will also see the launch of a major security operation, NATJOINTS, which has been active since August 3 to secure the Durban International Convention Centre, accommodation venues, routes, side events, and public spaces.

Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili warned against any disruption to the summit, emphasizing that criminality, intimidation, property damage, and interference would be dealt with within the law.