The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) welcomes South Africa’s early assumption of its duties as 46th Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa and government led by the ANC.
SADC leaders made the decision to appoint South Africa as 46th Chair of SADC at the 45th ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of States in Antananarivo, Madagascar in August. The Summit is the highest policy-making structure in SADC. Now, due to political developments in Madagascar (current Chair of SADC), South Africa is set to assume leadership earlier than anticipated on an interim basis until the Summit makes a formal determination. Meantime, as interim Chair, South Africa will host all SADC meetings from November 2025.
The Federation also applauds the retention of Botswana’s Elias Magosi as Executive Secretary of SADC; a position he has held since August 2021; this will undoubtedly aid continuity.
South Africa’s election is a vote of confidence in the country’s capability to anchor and stabilise the region and cements its indispensable role not only in the region but also on the continent and globally. It is also well-timed given the unprecedented onslaught of fake news and vitriol that South Africa has been subjected to this year.
Yearly, presidents of member states gather to review overall policy direction, regional issues and make key decisions that impact the community. COSATU wishes President Ramaphosa and government led by the ANC all the success as 46th Chair of SADC and is confident the lessons learned during the country’s G20 presidency will stand it in good stead.
Issued by COSATU
Zanele Sabela (National Spokesperson)
Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639
Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za