The Extraordinary Summit of the Organ Troika of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) plus SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) Personnel Contributing Countries (PCCs) and the Republic of Mozambique, was held virtually on 12th April, 2022.

The summit was officially opened and chaired by His Excellency Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

The summit was attended by SADC Heads of State and Government, their representatives and members of the Troika of the Ministerial Committee of the Organ (MCO), Ministers from the SAMIM Personnel Contributing Countries, the SADC Executive Secretary and Head of the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).

The progress of SAMIM was noted by the summit, as presented by the Head of the SADC Mission in Mozambique, and commended SAMIM leadership, including men and women on the ground for their sacrifices and commitment to the fight against terrorists acts in some parts of Cabo Delgado Province.

The transition of SAMIM from Scenario 6, (Rapid Deployment Capability) to Scenario 5 (Multidimensional Force), with a robust mandate was approved and the summit commended SAMIM Personnel Contributing Countries for their continued support by pledging capabilities and personnel to enhance the effectiveness of SAMIM operations, and urged Member States to continue supporting the mission.

The summit expressed its appreciation to the African Union (AU) and the International Cooperating Partners (ICP’s) for the support towards stabilization of the security situation as well as the socio-economic recovery and development of Cabo Delgado Province.

Expressing solidarity with the Republics of Botswana, South Africa, Kingdom of Lesotho and the United Republic of Tanzania for the demise of soldiers serving the Mission, the summit expressed words of comfort for those wounded in action.

The Republics of Zimbabwe and Malawi were commended by the summit for the spirit of solidarity expressed through delivery of the pledged donation of foodstuff in 3 support of Humanitarian assistance to the affected population of Cabo Delgado.

The Head of Mission was directed to coordinate with the Republic of Mozambique on the implementation of the comprehensive Integrated Reconstruction and Development Plan of Cabo Delgado.

The summit acknowledged the expression of gratitude by His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique for SADC’s continued support, collaboration and cooperation towards attainment of sustainable peace and security in the Cabo Delgado Province.

His Excellency Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa and the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, was commended for his leadership in steering the work of the Organ in pursuit of lasting peace, security and stability in the SADC region.

Speaking after the summit, Mr. Tinashe Mpasiri, a member of Justice Under Rule of Law (JUROL), an initiative of the Banking On Africa’s Future (BOAF), said, “Peace is not simply about the absence of violence. It is defined by the presence of fundamental liberties and the prevalence of economic opportunities. Justice under rule of law is a step towards prevalence of economic opportunities. Absent the rule of law economic development is a mirage and it is the duty of the citizens to ensure that public office bearers who have taken an oath to uphold, promote and defend the constitution of the republic, are held accountable for their conduct.”

What is a bonafide President in the affairs of human beings?

What is and should be the role of a President in an open, transparent and accountable democratic dispensation?

Should a President be tested for common sense, logic, and reason? If so, who needs elections?

The future of Zimbabwe is the business of all yet there are many who believe that it is not their business and they squander valuable time waiting for some Messiah.

Tragic.

Simbarashe Nyamadzawo, 23/02/2021

Creating a Balance between Pursuing Your Dreams and Being There For Your Peers

There is a certain point in time when you are emerging as a leader and there is a lot of demand placed on your gift. Everyone in your circle will want a piece of you. People get referred to you as the go to person.

You never want to break promises but you find yourself not keeping your word. Everyone is taking and taking from you, no one is prepared to replenish you. Others request to see you in free time when you don’t even have free time.

You open your WhatsApp and you see tens and tens of messages which need to be replied.

Others see you online and assume you are ignoring them when in actual fact you are working on their requests and you can’t afford to reply the massages without having your work and thought pattern getting interrupted.

When you get emotionally depleted, you take some time off so that you can recharge , when you get back to work you are greeted with a dozen to do list which needs your attention and these are issues you can’t delegate.

I have experienced that and I have learned to be strong and remain focused and not lose my plot. If you are in such a space I pray that the LORD will increase your capacity. I pray that the LORD will give you the courage to say “NO” to some of the requests from people.

I pray that you put a monetary value on your time and those with requests of a commercial nature get to pay you. I pray that you will not lose your mind as you work out a way to meet all your demands.

I pray that the LORD will give you the wisdom to sort out your priorities. I pray that the Holy Spirit will become your mentor and teacher. I pray that the LORD will send you people to elevate you to the next season of your life.

Wisdom for Managing Depression during Trying Times

Most people are going through a lot, depression and much more. They don’t have courage to speak out.

Be kind to people and have the courtesy to check on your friends and be there for them when they need you most.

The church in Africa does not value counseling that much. Very few leaders teach on how to handle pressure, depression and other ills of the 21st century. May the LORD grant us the wisdom to deal with our dark sides. Amen

Mastering the Art of Public Speaking

Reduce your message to the level of your audience. Most speakers lose it the moment they want to sound intelligent and knowledgeable.

Let’s say you are a politician addressing a rally, don’t tell the electorate about the GDP, balance of payment and other big economics terms.

What they want is an assurance of their needs. Jobs. Health. Water. Affordable Tax.

For most types of presentations, the simpler the language the greater the impact.

One of my favorite speakers is Dr. John C. Maxwell, he is regarded as one of the foremost authorities on leadership. He has won himself a wider and captive audience because he has this knack of breaking a complex message into simple and understandable language.

Next time you are given an opportunity to speak, labor as much as you can to make your message simple.