By Archford Chirimudombo
Harare, (New Ziana) – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has elected Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane of Lesotho as incoming Chairperson of its Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, and approved the appointment of a new Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration.
The decisions were made during an Extraordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government held virtually on Wednesday under the chairmanship of South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa.
In a statement, SADC said Matekane’s election completes the Organ Troika, which also includes Eswatini’s King Mswati III, the current chairperson, and Malawi President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, the outgoing chairperson.
The Summit also endorsed Ms. Treasure Thembisile Maphanga, an Eswatini executive with extensive expertise in continental trade, industrial policy, the digital economy and institutional development, as the new Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration.
“In approving her appointment, Summit expressed confidence that her leadership, expertise and experience spanning over a period of 30 years in policy formulation, trade negotiations, institutional reform, public-private partnerships, resource mobilisation and programme delivery (will help) to accelerate the implementation of regional priorities outlined in the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 20202030 and advance SADC’s vision of a more integrated, prosperous and resilient region,” SADC said.
The Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration oversees programmes aimed at strengthening regional trade, promoting industrialisation, developing infrastructure, enhancing food security and advancing social and human development. The position also plays a key role in deepening economic cooperation among SADC member states.
The Summit paid tribute to the outgoing Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Ms. Angèle Makombo N’Tumba, whose contract is scheduled to end on October 26, 2026. It acknowledged her dedicated service and contribution to regional integration and the region’s socio-economic development agenda during her four-year tenure at the SADC Secretariat.
The regional leaders also commended Mozambican President Daniel Fransico Chapo, who serves as the African Union Champion for Disaster Risk Management, for hosting the inaugural International Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in Africa in Maputo from October 13 to 15, 2026.
The Summit urged member states to improve disaster preparedness, strengthen anticipatory measures and enhance coordination in responding to emerging humanitarian challenges.
The call comes as Southern Africa faces potential risks associated with the 2026/2027 El Niño phenomenon and the upcoming cyclone season, which could intensify humanitarian pressures across the region.
SADC works to advance sustainable and equitable economic growth and socio-economic development through regional cooperation and integration, good governance, and the promotion of lasting peace and security. The bloc also seeks to strengthen Southern Africa’s competitiveness and position in international relations and the global economy.
It has 16 member states, including Angola, Botswana, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
New Ziana
