Source: The Herald – Breaking news.
SADC Chairperson President Mnangagwa attends the regional bloc’s virtual Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government aimed at tackling the security situation that has left thousands killed and millions displaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo at State House in Harare yesterday, flanked by SADC Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi. — Picture: Believe Nyakudjara 
Wallace Ruzvidzo
Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe has earned a special place in the hearts of the SADC Secretariat and member states, becoming a second home of sorts, thanks to its warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage, the bloc’s Executive Secretary, Mr Elias Magosi, said yesterday.
This new-found appreciation is testament to the country’s growing influence within the regional bloc, having taken over the SADC chairmanship in August last year.
Since assuming the Chairmanship at the 44th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government last year, Zimbabwe has hosted several meetings of the regional bloc, affording the Secretariat and member states ample opportunities to enjoy first-hand the Zimbabwean experience.
In his remarks at the SADC Council of Ministers meeting, which ends in Harare today, Mr Magosi said the Secretariat and member states had strengthened their bond with the people of Zimbabwe during their numerous engagements and interactions since the country assumed the bloc’s Chairmanship.
“To many of us here, Zimbabwe, and Harare especially, has become our second home. Your hospitality has indeed enabled us to have a deep appreciation of Zimbabwe’s culture and strengthen our bonds of friendship with the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Mr Magosi expressed gratitude to the Second Republic for the exquisite hospitality and facilities availed to them since the commencement of Zimbabwe’s tenure as chair.
“We thank you for the warm reception and excellent facilities put at our disposal for the conduct of our meeting today, and for the meetings lined up in the coming days,” he said.
Mr Magosi said Zimbabwe’s capability, in not only hosting but championing the SADC agenda during its tenure, had set the bar for future Chairpersons, particularly Madagascar, which is the incoming Chair.
“I am certain that the Incoming Chair of Council, Honourable Rasata Rafaravavitafika, and her team are taking copious notes and drawing enriching lessons from Zimbabwe’s hosting of SADC and driving its agenda. The reception for SADC in Antananarivo can only be better, if not at the same level,” he said.
Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership as Chair, Mr Magosi said the regional bloc had attained several milestones.
“This includes taking ownership of the SADC Secretariat Headquarters Building in Botswana, which, for the past 15 years, was managed through a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) Agreement.
“The SADC House was officially received by the Chairperson of SADC, His Excellency Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, together with the President of the Republic of Botswana, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, on 13 December 2024, on behalf of the SADC Heads of State and Government.
“This represents a significant milestone, as the SADC region now owns that magnificent building, towering at the foot of the Gaborone Central Business District,” he said.
Mr Magosi said on the same day, the SADC Chairperson and President of Botswana led the groundbreaking ceremony, marking the commencement of the construction of the SADC Standby Force Regional Logistics Depot in Rasesa Village, in the Kgatleng District of Botswana, on behalf of all SADC Heads of State and Government.
“This Depot will strengthen the capability of the SADC Standby Force for rapid deployment in peace support and humanitarian operations.”
Through the regional bloc’s missions in Mozambique and now in the DRC, SADC has already secured equipment that will be housed at the Regional Logistics Depot once construction is completed.
“Peace and security remain critical to our region’s integration and economic development,” Mr Magosi said.
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