Source: The Herald – Breaking news.
Farirai Machivenyika, Senior Reporter
President Mnangagwa will, for the next year, carry the hopes of the region, building peace and solidarity as well as driving the bloc’s socio-economic transformation.
Dr Rushwaya said this yesterday in a congratulatory message to the President following the successful hosting of the 44th Sadc Summit of Heads of State and Government at the New Parliament Building in Mount Hampden on Saturday.
President Mnangagwa also assumed the chairmanship of the bloc during the summit.
“As the new SADC Chair, His Excellency the President carries the hopes of the Sub-region for building peace and solidarity as well as driving socio-economic transformation,” Dr Rushwaya said.
“Hosting such a monumental event requires meticulous planning, dedication and an unwavering commitment to the values that underpin our regional community. It was indeed a historic occasion that brought together diverse leaders united by a commitment to ensure that their nations take their rightful place as a formidable haven of peace and development. The positive feedback from delegates and observers alike serves as a testament to the effective leadership of His Excellency the President at the helm of the Second Republic.”
Dr Rushwaya said the theme of the summit, “Promoting innovation to unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development towards an industrialised SADC”, resonated well with today’s global aspirations for systems that produce goods and services efficiently for the impactful transformation of entire communities and nations.
“We are inspired by the remarkable foresight our President has already demonstrated in prioritising these critical areas, and Zimbabwe as a whole is confident that under his stewardship, Sadc will march forward relentlessly and use its peaceful environment to compete favourably for investments during an era when regional conflicts and instability inevitably hinder progress,” he said.
“We are confident without reservation that the new leadership role provides an invaluable opportunity for the distinguished revolutionary of impeccable credentials to influence key policy directions that promote social equity and political stability throughout the SADC region.
“His vision for a more integrated and prosperous Sadc and his profound understanding of the challenges it faces will be invaluable in guiding the region as it navigates the complexities of the modern world, including climate change which demands robust adaptation to guarantee food and water security through public and private sector collaboration”.
Dr Rushwaya said President Mnangagwa’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance will serve as a model for the region, reinforcing the principles that are crucial for the advancement of democracy and inclusive development that leaves no one and no place behind.
“May his tenure as Chairman inspire hope and unity and drive prosperity for all Sadc nations,” he said.
President Mnangagwa took over the leadership of the regional body at a time when the region is reeling from the negative effects of the El-Nino-induced drought, and conflicts in the Eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Under his stewardship, the President is expected to accelerate regional integration and also help end conflicts and hunger as he replicates his efforts at the national level to the region.
The 44th SADC Summit was held under the theme, “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustained Economic Growth and Development”. This dovetails with the Second Republic’s development trajectory that is anchored on innovation.
Speaking during the summit, SADC Executive Secretary Eric Magosi said it was imperative that all member states learn from Zimbabwe’s various interventions in education and also agriculture to actualise the theme.
COMMENTS