Ramaphosa Calls for Faster SADC Integration, Industrialisation and Economic Transformation

Durban, The Gulf Observer: The 46th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government officially opened in Durban on Monday, bringing together regional leaders for high-level deliberations on strengthening regional integration, industrialisation and sustainable development across Southern Africa.

Hosted by South Africa under the theme, “Resilient, sustainable, and inclusive industrialisation through infrastructure development, agricultural and critical minerals transformation in pursuit of a just world,” the Summit places infrastructure development, agricultural transformation and the beneficiation of critical minerals at the centre of the region’s development agenda.

The official opening at the Durban International Convention Centre featured cultural performances celebrating Southern African unity and heritage.

Acclaimed South African poet Lebo Mashile opened the proceedings with a poem dedicated to SADC, reflecting the shared history, aspirations and interconnectedness of the region. Cultural presentations highlighting South Africa’s heritage followed, underscoring the bonds of history and culture that unite SADC member states.

Welcoming regional leaders to South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa said they had gathered not as strangers or visitors but as partners and custodians of a shared Southern African destiny.

President Ramaphosa noted that Durban held particular significance for African unity, as the city hosted the launch of the African Union 24 years ago. He also pointed out that the Summit coincided with the anniversary of the signing of the SADC Declaration and Treaty in Windhoek, Namibia, on August 17, 1992.

He said these historic milestones should inspire current leaders to accelerate efforts towards building a more integrated, prosperous and resilient region.

President Ramaphosa said SADC had already made significant progress through initiatives including the SADC Free Trade Area, the SADC Real-Time Gross Settlement System and the Southern African Power Pool. However, he cautioned that the pace of transformation remained insufficient.

He stressed that people across the region expected tangible benefits from economic integration, including decent employment, industrial growth, reliable electricity, affordable food, quality healthcare, education and greater opportunities for young people.

The President called on leaders to ensure that regional decisions translated into concrete development projects, businesses, infrastructure and employment opportunities.

Reflecting on SADC’s history, President Ramaphosa described the organisation as having emerged from the solidarity among Southern African countries during the struggles against colonialism, minority rule and apartheid.

He urged member states to build on that legacy by deepening economic integration, strengthening infrastructure and energy cooperation, developing climate-resilient food systems and maximising opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The President also emphasized that peace, security and democratic stability were essential foundations for sustainable development. He called for continued investment in preventive diplomacy, mediation and political dialogue, as well as stronger regional cooperation in addressing security and health challenges.

Expressing solidarity with the Democratic Republic of Congo amid an Ebola outbreak, President Ramaphosa called for enhanced regional preparedness and an urgent humanitarian response.

Using the imagery of a river system, he said SADC’s strength lay in bringing together countries with different histories, identities and capabilities in pursuit of a common future.

He stressed that deeper regional integration would not undermine the sovereignty of individual states but would enhance their collective capacity to promote the welfare and prosperity of their peoples.

President Ramaphosa urged regional leaders to ensure that the Summit was remembered not merely for declarations but for concrete decisions and their implementation.

He subsequently declared the 46th Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of SADC officially open.