19 Oct 2015

The SADC secretariat has been encouraged to work hard for the good of member states.

Speaking during a visit to the SADC headquarters in Gaborone yesterday (October 19), the SADC chairperson and Botswana President, Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama urged the staff to be efficient, saying the success of the SADC programmes lied with them.

The President emphasised the spirit of solidarity, unity of action and purpose, urging the staff to commit to implementation of projects for development in all aspects as the secretariat employees constituted the heartbeat of SADC agenda.

President Khama also urged the staff to focus on the ultimate goal of bringing cohesion among the people of the SADC region and beyond.

As a resource at the disposal of SADC, he said workers should be committed to the cause of regional integration agenda, adding that their dedication would enable SADC to be regarded as one of the leading regional bodies facilitating socio-economic development.

He emphasised the need for the staff to have a sense of belonging to the institution.

The SADC chairperson acknowledged that it was not easy for people from different backgrounds and nations to work together, but urged them to work as a team, reminding them that it was a privilege to serve the region.

The President, secretariat management and staff discussed issues critical to the SADC regional integration and development agenda. He promised to assist them in every possible way, saying his office was open for support and guidance.

He also promised that government would always endeavour to ensure that the needs of the staff were taken care of within the limits of available resources.

President Khama also received updates on the implementation of the SADC agenda as well as on strategic initiatives being undertaken, including progress made following the 35th  Summit of Heads of State and Government that was held in August.The President also planted a tree at the SADC headquarters. Ends