Ramaphosa Calls for Faster SADC Integration and Stronger Regional Peace Efforts

South African President urges implementation of regional commitments, while SADC welcomes new appointments to key leadership positions

21 October 2026 | PRETORIA – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member States to accelerate regional integration, strengthen peace and security efforts, and ensure that agreed commitments translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

Delivering the closing remarks at the Extraordinary SADC Summit held virtually on Wednesday, Ramaphosa emphasised the need for greater regional production, employment opportunities, enhanced security and shared prosperity.

Describing the meeting as productive, the President said leaders had engaged substantively on matters affecting the effective functioning of the regional community and considered reports and recommendations from the SADC Council of Ministers.

He thanked the Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, and his counterparts for their preparatory work. He also acknowledged SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi and the Secretariat for preparing for the Summit.

Maphanga appointed Deputy Executive Secretary

Ramaphosa congratulated Ms Treasure Thembisile Maphanga on her appointment as SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, describing the position as vital to advancing the region’s economic integration.

He said SADC must build a Southern African economy that brings together the comparative strengths of all Member States.

The President urged the Secretariat to strengthen coordination, accelerate the implementation of regional integration programmes and report regularly on progress and obstacles requiring the attention of Member States.

The emphasis on implementation reflects the need to move beyond policy commitments towards measurable outcomes that improve economic opportunities and living standards across the region.

Lesotho Prime Minister to lead the SADC Organ

Ramaphosa also congratulated the Right Honourable Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, Prime Minister of Lesotho, as the incoming Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

He reaffirmed support for the Organ’s work in safeguarding peace and stability across Southern Africa.

“Protecting lives, preventing displacement and sustaining peace must remain central to our collective efforts,” Ramaphosa said.

He stressed that Member States must support this work through timely national action, effective coordination and the provision of resources necessary to implement their shared commitments.

The remarks placed responsibility on both national governments and regional institutions to ensure that decisions on peace and security translate into effective action.

Secretariat given July 2027 reporting deadline

The President also reminded the Secretariat of its responsibility to develop criteria and guidelines for the appointment of the incoming Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

The Secretariat is required to submit a report on the matter to the Ministerial Committee of the Organ at its meeting in July 2027.

The assignment forms part of the institutional responsibilities arising from the Summit and highlights the importance of clear processes and coordination in the functioning of SADC structures.

Focus on tangible results

Looking ahead, Ramaphosa said the priorities agreed at SADC’s 46th Ordinary Summit must deliver tangible improvements in people’s lives.

These include greater security, stronger regional production, employment opportunities and shared prosperity.

His closing message called on Member States and the Secretariat to sustain the unity demonstrated at the Extraordinary Summit and pursue regional aspirations with renewed determination.

Ramaphosa subsequently declared the Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government officially closed.