Johannesburg: South Africa has assumed the Chairpersonship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Council of Ministers with a commitment to advance peace and security, accelerate regional industrialisation, strengthen infrastructure connectivity, and invest in the region's human capital. International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola formally accepted the SADC Chairpersonship for 2026 - 2027 on behalf of South Africa during the SADC Council of Ministers meeting in Durban on Wednesday. The Minister said South Africa accepted the responsibility with a clear understanding that the Chairpersonship was a collective mandate that must be exercised in the interests of the entire SADC Community.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Minister outlined four strategic priorities that will guide South Africa's tenure under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa. These include promoting peace, security, and stability; accelerating industrialisation through agricultural transformation, critical minerals beneficiation, and increased regional trade; expanding and modernising infrastructure; and strengthening social and human capital development.
Lamola highlighted the region's mineral wealth as a significant opportunity for economic growth. Nearly 30% of the world's proven critical mineral reserves are located in the region, including about 50% of the world's cobalt reserves and 20% of its graphite reserves. He stressed the importance of beneficiation, regional value chains, and increased intra-regional trade to ensure that mineral wealth translates into broader development.
South Africa plans to advance objectives agreed at the Skukuza retreat, aiming for 50% intra-SADC trade and the beneficiation of critical minerals at source. Currently, trade within the bloc stands at about 20%, indicating substantial potential for expanding regional markets.
Infrastructure development is another key focus, with Lamola advocating for investment in reliable energy, efficient transport corridors, modern ports, integrated digital networks, and dependable water systems. These are seen as essential for regional connectivity and industrial development.
Addressing migration, Lamola acknowledged the challenges of irregular migration and border integrity, stressing the need for lawful responses that protect human rights. He called on SADC Member States to sign the protocol for the free movement of people to support regular and orderly migration.
Lamola's comments come amid significant global uncertainties, including power competition, climate-related disasters, pandemics, and changing economic policies. He emphasized the importance of regional solidarity and resilience to navigate these challenges and achieve the vision outlined in the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020 - 2030.
The Chairpersonship marks a transition from Zimbabwe's tenure and will continue until 2027. Lamola expressed South Africa's commitment to using its industrial capabilities to support regional integration and prosperity, wishing Zambia peaceful elections in August 2026.