28 Feb 2021

Namibia has promised Botswana support in its bid for the soon to be vacant Southern African Development Community (SADC) executive secretary position.

The incumbent, Dr Stagomena Lwarence-Tax’s four-year term ends in August.

Speaking after a meeting with his Namibian counterpart, Dr Hage Geingob in Namibia on February 25, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said Botswana was happy for Namibia’s support for Mr Elias Magosi’s candidature.

President Masisi,  who presented Botswana’s candidate, said he was happy to have bagged a vote from Namibia for Mr Magosi who is contesting against the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Luanga Mukela.

“Mr Magosi in knowledgeable and has the experience needed to head the SADC secretariat. SADC needs him, and we are happy to offer him to them to lead,” he said further describing the candidate as  a transformational leader.

Currently serving as permanent secretary to the president, cabinet secretary and head of the public service, Mr Magosi would not be new to the organisation.

He was SADC director of Human Resources and Administration from March 2017 to April 2018 before rejoining the public service as deputy permanent secretary to the president.

Mr Magosi has been described as a man with a wealth of experience and requisite leadership competencies gained in executive management in both the public and private sectors as well as international organisations.

Following an announcement to field Mr Magosi as Botswana’s candidate, President Masisi has taken the lead in the campaign for his candidature among fellow regional leaders.

Despite hosting SADC headquarters in Gaborone, Botswana has never in the organisation’s 41-year history fielded a candidate for the position. Ends