Pretoria: Receive our warm South African welcome this morning, to this very important SADC meeting aimed at developing a country strategy to fight Transnational Organised Crime (TOC) across the region. We wish to further extend our greetings on behalf of the South African Police Service and on behalf of the South African Government represented by Senior officials from the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster.
According to South African Police Service, the timing of the hosting of this 5-day high-level meeting comes at a critical time, where South Africa is concluding 5-year strategic plans and Medium-Term Development Programmes that will direct government’s plan of action for the next five years. In the security cluster programme, solid and implementable conference resolutions from this strategic session will be necessary to decisively address transnational and organised crime in the country and in the region.
The fact that so many esteemed delegates have gathered today – representing various sectors, agencies, and nations – demonstrates a shared commitment to tackling one of the most pressing security challenges of the time. The Deputy National Commissioner expressed gratitude for the attendance of this important strategy work session.
TOC knows no borders and thrives on the vulnerabilities within societies, exploiting gaps in governance, law enforcement, and economic stability. Whether it manifests in human trafficking, drug smuggling, cybercrime, or financial fraud, its consequences are profound, affecting the safety, stability, and prosperity of communities worldwide.
This strategic session is guided by the SADC Integrated Strategy to Prevent and Combat Transnational Organised Crime. In 2004, the first Strategic Indicative Plan for the Organ (SIPO I) identified the growing vulnerability of national borders, increase in organised and transnational crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, criminal syndicates, and many more as some of the primary challenges to state and public security in the region.
The TOC strategy gives effect to various recommendations emanating from SIPO I and SIPO II, the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan, and other regional strategic policy documents in the areas of peace, security, and development. It operationalises the decisions of the TROIKA Summit Report and other policy organs of SADC, intended to address the challenges and gaps in current responses to TOC through an integrated approach.
The strategy is designed to complement national and international strategies, action plans, and relevant legislative and legal agreements that SADC member states have entered into in the field of TOC, with a view to prevent, combat and stem the threats posed by transnational, serious, and organised crimes.
The goal is not only to identify emerging threats but also to strengthen cross-border collaboration, enhance intelligence-sharing, and develop innovative countermeasures. Delegates are urged to consider the seven main strategic priority actions of the SADC Strategy, which constitute the key pillars upon which performance should be measured.
Additionally, Agenda 2063 is highlighted, re-dedicating the continent to the attainment of the Pan African vision of an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens, representing a dynamic force in the international arena.
Distinguished delegates are encouraged to actively engage, challenge assumptions, and contribute unique perspectives. The strength of the response depends on the strength of the partnership. The aim is to have a united and resilient SADC region free of TOC, where peace, security, democracy, and development flourish.
Once again, a warm welcome is extended, with anticipation for a productive and insightful 5-day work session, leading to constructive conference deliberations and progressive resolutions.