18 Aug 2021

The first Motswana to reach the apex of SADC,  Mr Elias Magosi, was yesterday sworn in as the bloc’s 7th executive secretary.

The former permanent secretary to the president and ambassador at large took the oath of office before Malawi Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda at the closing session of the 41st SADC ordinary summit in Lilongwe, Malawi.

“I solemnly swear that I shall perform my duties and exercise my powers, honourably, faithfully, impartially and independently according to the best of my knowledge and ability. So help me God,”vowed the new SADC chief.

Malawian president, Dr Lazarus Chakwera, who is the incoming SADC chairman, congratulated Mr Magosi on his victory.

“We look forward to working closely with you during our tenure as SADC chairman and beyond in pursuit of our collective goal of regional integration and the implementation of the 2020-2030 regional strategic development plan and SADC vision 2050. We wish you nothing but success, as you steer the secretariat to fulfill the region’s aspirations and ambitions in socio-economic spheres,” said Dr Chakwera.

He said progress that the region had made thus far and the work that lay ahead required an efficient secretariat.

Dr Chakwera expressed his profound gratitude to  outgoing executive secretary Dr Stergomena Lawrence-Tax for the excellent way in which she steered the organisation.

He said during her tenure, the  bloc achieved great milestones.

Dr Chakwera reiterated his commitment to  the implementation of the organisation’s decisions towards the creation of a peaceful and free, inclusive and united, industrialised and prosperous as a well as a strong and just SADC.

“Our citizens expect and deserve nothing less,” he quipped.

He emphasised the need for digitalisation in the SADC region and review of the organisation’s industrialisation agenda.

“We must therefore ensure the full implementation of such instruments as the SADC protocol on transport, communication and meteorology and the 2001 SADC declaration on information, communications and technology,” said Dr Chakwera.

On other issues, he said instability and security were not only rare in the region but were dealt with decisively through the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

Dr Chakwera commended outgoing organ chairperson, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and other troika members President Cyril Ramphosa of South Africa and Zimbabwe’s Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa for their vigilance in ensuring sustained peace and security in the region.BOPA