South Africa leads SADC: Call for unity and transformation at the summit

Leaders of South African countries are gathering in Durban for the 46th regular SADC summit, where migration, regional security, youth unemployment, and economic transformation are on the agenda. South Africa is hosting the chairmanship of the SADC bloc.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will take up the post of chairman of the 16-member regional organization, leading SADC for the next year. Migration is expected to be one of the key issues, as Ramaphosa calls on the region to address the root causes driving people to leave their countries, rather than relying solely on coercive measures.

Ramaphosa stated before the summit: 'Migration is a continental and global phenomenon. The future of South Africa is inseparable from the future of the African continent.' He emphasized that migration pressure cannot be eliminated by force alone; this requires peace where there is conflict, economic growth where there is stagnation, and opportunities where there is poverty.

The President noted that South Africa will cooperate with neighboring states to develop sustainable solutions to migration problems. He added that through SADC, the African Union, and bilateral relations with other countries, they will seek ways to solve these difficulties.

These statements came against the backdrop of ongoing tension in South Africa regarding undocumented migration, as well as the expected anti-immigration march around the summit venue.

Ramaphosa also issued a warning against xenophobia and discrimination, stating that regional integration cannot be successful if citizens of neighboring countries are perceived as outsiders. He expressed deep concern and shame over the discrimination and mistreatment of citizens of other countries in recent months.

Discussions on migration are expected to be part of a broader conversation on how SADC can strengthen regional economies and create opportunities for its people. SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi reported that the Trilateral Organ for political, defense, and security cooperation remains a central element in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Magosi called the Trilateral Organ the 'cornerstone for development and prosperity,' stressing that peace and security are vital for achieving regional development goals. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola urged SADC to accelerate efforts to combat youth unemployment and hunger, warning that the region's development ambitions must translate into tangible improvements in people's lives.

The summit's theme places economic transformation at the center of South Africa's chairmanship, formulated as: 'Sustainable, viable, and inclusive industrialization through infrastructure development, agricultural transformation, and critical minerals in pursuit of a just peace.' Discussions will include critical minerals, infrastructure, agriculture, and industrialization, as SADC countries strive to boost intra-regional trade and reduce reliance on raw material exports.

Ramaphosa insists that South Africa must move towards deeper processing of its natural resources and the creation of industries that generate jobs and economic value within the region. The summit will also review progress in achieving the SADC Vision 2050 and the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan, which define the framework for the bloc's long-term integration and development agenda.

Security is another pressing issue for leaders, especially against the backdrop of ongoing instability in parts of the region. The SADC Trilateral Organ held a meeting in Durban on Sunday before the main summit, where regional security and political events were discussed. Security around the summit venue was also enhanced, after which three people were arrested on Sunday for alleged attempted unauthorized access to the summit site.

South Africa plans to use its chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to stimulate more active regional trade, processing of critical minerals, infrastructure development, and orderly migration, as member states strive to strengthen economic integration.

Regional leaders will meet in Durban on Monday to hand over the chairmanship, with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialization, and security on the agenda.

The 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of SADC is scheduled for August 17 at the Albert Lutuli International Convention Centre, gathering representatives from 16 member countries. These countries include Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to take over the SADC chairmanship for the 2026/27 period, and South Africa aims to use its year of leadership to advance regional integration and economic growth.

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola stated that South Africa wishes to turn regional commitments into tangible results. He emphasized the need to use this moment to renew commitment to bridging the gap between ambitions stated in regional documents and the capacity of institutions to implement them.

Migration becomes a central theme

One of the issues likely to attract the most attention is migration. South Africa plans to urge SADC countries to ratify the Protocol on Facilitation of Movement of Persons, which will establish a regional framework for human movement.

This issue arises against the backdrop of growing tension in South Africa related to irregular migration, border control, and the movement of people from neighboring countries. Lamola noted that migration problems must be solved through legitimate regional cooperation, insisting that addressing irregular migration issues must occur within an orderly and legal system.

SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi reported that seven member states have already ratified the protocol, while 11 ratifications are required for it to enter into force. Magosi urged the remaining member states to accelerate the ratification process so that citizens can truly integrate.

South Africa wants to boost regional trade

Economic integration is another key priority for South Africa. The government seeks to increase intra-regional trade within SADC from approximately 20% to 50%, including developing regional trade, production, and investment within its industrialization program.

Critical minerals are central to this strategy. Lamola explained that SADC countries need to derive greater value from resources extracted in the region instead of primarily exporting raw materials. He stated that changing this trend requires processing resources, creating regional value chains, and increasing trade among themselves.

Infrastructure development—including transport corridors, energy, ports, digital networks, and water resources—is expected to support this endeavor.

The importance of critical minerals

SADC possesses significant mineral reserves that are becoming increasingly sought after by global industries. South Africa insists that member states move beyond simple extraction and export of raw materials, instead developing regional value chains, processing, and production. The goal is to retain more economic value within the region while creating opportunities for investment and employment.

Security and protests

The summit will also be an occasion for a major security operation in Durban. NATJOINTS began its security operation on August 3, covering the Durban International Convention Centre, accommodation sites, routes, side events, and public spaces.

Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili stated that Durban is ready to host the summit but warned of attempts to disrupt it. He categorically stated that the disruption of the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit would not be tolerated. Authorities emphasized that legal protests are permitted, but crime, intimidation, property damage, and attempts to interfere with the summit will be suppressed according to the law.

What residents of Durban need to know

Changes to traffic around the summit venue are also planned. Volunat Road between Brem Fisher Road and Dr AB Zuma Road will be closed until August 18 as part of preparations for the summit. Drivers traveling in the area of the Durban International Convention Centre should expect increased security and possible disruptions during the summit period.

What will happen on Monday?

Heads of state and government will meet on August 17 for the official handover of the SADC chairmanship to Ramaphosa. The summit will be the first serious test of South Africa's priorities in its year of leadership of the regional bloc. The main focus will be on whether leaders can make progress on regional migration, trade, industrialization, critical minerals, infrastructure, and security. As Magosi warned, broad regional cooperation will be crucial. He concluded that the future of the region will increasingly depend on the ability to trust each other and work together to strengthen regional resilience and advance its own development agenda on its own terms.

Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili presented a detailed security plan for the upcoming 46th SADC Summit in Durban, emphasizing the importance of lawful protests while cautioning against any attempts to disrupt the international event.

Mosikili, who serves as Deputy National Commissioner of Police in the South African Police Service (SAPS), stated that security forces are fully prepared to protect the 12 heads of state and government expected at the summit. During a press briefing in Durban on Tuesday, she noted that citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful and lawful protests, but this right does not extend to criminal acts, intimidation, property damage, or obstructing the international event.

She categorically stated: 'Let me be perfectly clear: the 46th SADC Summit will not be disrupted.' Mosikili added that anyone who crosses the line from lawful protest to criminality or endangers the safety of others will face legal consequences. She stressed that security forces will respond decisively, proportionally, and within the law to any threat to public safety.

Security Operations

Mosikili reported that security measures for the summit began on August 3rd, with preparatory meetings, parallel events, and other activities already underway. She clarified that no reports of incidents or violations have been received in connection with these actions.

The Lieutenant General noted that this is clear evidence that the South African security apparatus is capable of handling the task. She emphasized that security planning was comprehensive, and the authorities 'are leaving nothing to chance.' Ministers and other high-level delegations from SADC member states are due to arrive in the country starting Wednesday, with heads of state and government expected later in the week.

Information structures are already on site, and law enforcement and security services are continuously assessing the situation to identify, prevent, and respond to potential threats. Mosikili stated that Durban is 'stable, safe, and ready' to host the summit. The deployment of security forces extends beyond the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), where the summit will take place, and includes hotel complexes, routes, parallel events, public spaces, and other areas where delegates and visitors are expected.

'A number of events and parallel activities are taking place during this period, including rugby and football matches. Our security plans have taken all these events into account,' said Mosikili.

Planned Marches and Demonstrations

Mosikili also informed that NATJOINTS is aware of the planned marches and demonstrations during the summit period. She noted that most marches across South Africa over the last two or three months have proceeded peacefully, although some were accompanied by crime and anarchy.

She commended citizens who responsibly and peacefully exercised their constitutional rights but strongly urged organizers and participants of processions to abide by the law and the conditions regulating their demonstrations.

Furthermore, Mosikili revealed that a Zimbabwean citizen was arrested after an alleged attempt to obtain accreditation for the summit. He claimed to be a performing artist and asserted that his documents and supporting papers had been stolen. The arrest occurred after the man failed to present valid documentation when attempting to secure artist accreditation for the event.

Mosikili warned that accreditation would be strictly controlled. 'No accreditation means no access,' she stated. She urged people without accreditation to avoid visiting the ICC in Durban and any authorized events, and not to attempt to bypass security and accreditation procedures. She also specified that accreditation is non-transferable: 'There will be no exchange, issuance, borrowing, or joint use of valid accreditation between individuals.' Anyone who violates this rule will be removed from the controlled area and may face legal repercussions.

Deployed Security Resources

Mosikili reported that specialized units and maximum available resources have been mobilized and deployed as part of the overall security plan. These include intelligence, crime prevention, public order patrolling, traffic management, and other specialized capabilities. She emphasized that the approach is proactive, as authorities identify and assess potential threats, taking measures to prevent them.

'All security services are working together within [NATJOINTS],' she said.

Road Closures and Public Warning

Mosikili informed that the ICC in Durban is operating under heightened security, and she strongly urged the public without authorized access not to approach the venue or attempt to enter controlled areas. She added that the city will provide information regarding road closures and traffic disruptions around the ICC. Temporary closures will also occur during the transportation of heads of state between different venues. 'These closures are necessary security measures,' she stressed. She appealed to drivers and city residents to cooperate with law enforcement, follow instructions, and plan their journeys accordingly.

Mosikili also advised travelers to Durban to check the latest weather forecasts and warnings from the South African Weather Service, especially considering the current cold conditions. She urged drivers to ensure their vehicles are in good working order and to allow sufficient travel time.

Conclusion

Mosikili reiterated that [NATJOINTS] has proven experience in securing major national and international events, and she is confident that the SADC Summit will take place in a safe and protected environment. However, she stressed that the confidence of the security structures does not equate to complacency. 'We remain vigilant. We remain alert. We are ready to respond to any threat,' she stated.

Mosikili also called on South Africans, especially Durban residents, to welcome delegates from the entire SADC region with the 'warmth, hospitality, and Ubuntu that South Africa is known for.' She noted that the summit provides South Africa with an opportunity to demonstrate both its capacity to host a major international event and the hospitality of its people. 'Our message to those attending the Summit is simple: you are safe in South Africa,' she said. 'Our message to the people of Durban is equally clear: continue your daily lives, cooperate with security forces, and follow official transport and safety instructions.' She also issued a warning to anyone intending to jeopardize the safety of the summit. 'We are ready. We are watching. We will act.'