Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE has been commended for its unwavering commitment to regional integration and cooperation following the successful hosting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Cluster Meeting of Ministers responsible for Transport, ICT, Information and Meteorology in Bulawayo.
The high-level meeting, which ran for five days, brought together ministers and senior officials from across the SADC region to deliberate on key infrastructure, communication, and meteorological priorities aimed at strengthening regional development and cooperation.
Speaking during the closing ceremony on Friday, SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration, Mrs Angele Makombo N’tumba, praised the Government and people of Zimbabwe for their warm hospitality and excellent organisation of the meeting.
“On behalf of the SADC Secretariat and all delegates attending this meeting, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe for the warm welcome, excellent arrangements and generous hospitality extended to us since our arrival here in the beautiful city of Bulawayo,” she said.
Mrs N’tumba said Bulawayo, popularly known as the City of Kings and Queens, had lived up to its reputation, with delegates enjoying exceptional hospitality, smooth logistical arrangements, and a welcoming atmosphere throughout their stay.
“I understand Bulawayo is also known as the City of Kings. We have indeed been treated as kings and queens by extension,” she said, drawing applause from delegates.
She noted that for many participants, including some from the SADC Secretariat, it was their first visit to Bulawayo, giving them an opportunity to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and Zimbabwe’s well-known tradition of hospitality.
Beyond hospitality, Mrs N’tumba highlighted Zimbabwe’s growing role in advancing the regional integration agenda, noting that the country had now successfully hosted two consecutive SADC cluster meetings, following the previous gathering held in Harare in February last year.
She said this demonstrated the importance Zimbabwe attaches to regional cooperation and its commitment to creating an enabling environment for constructive dialogue, policy coordination, and collective decision-making among SADC member states.
“This continued commitment is highly commendable and reflects Zimbabwe’s steadfast support for the regional integration agenda. It also demonstrates the importance attached by the Government of Zimbabwe to fostering regional cooperation and providing a conducive environment for meaningful dialogue and decision-making among member states,” she said.
Her sentiments were echoed by South African Minister of Transport and cluster chairperson, Ms Barbara Creecy, who also expressed appreciation for the smooth organisation and successful hosting of the meeting.
“To our host, the people and the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe, thank you very much for what I think has been an excellent and successful event hosted in your country,” she said.
Minister Creecy added that the spirit of cooperation demonstrated during the meeting was essential in advancing shared regional goals.
Speaking on the last day of the meeting,
Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Zhemu Soda, also expressed gratitude to SADC member states for their continued solidarity with Zimbabwe on the issue of illegal sanctions.
Minister Soda thanked the regional bloc for consistently supporting Zimbabwe’s call for the unconditional removal of the sanctions, saying the unity demonstrated by SADC reflected the organisation’s commitment to justice, sovereignty and shared prosperity.
“We wish to express our sincere appreciation to all SADC member states for their unwavering solidarity with Zimbabwe in calling for the removal of the illegal sanctions that continue to affect our country’s socio-economic development. “Your support over the years has been a true demonstration of regional unity and collective resolve,” he said.
Dr Soda said Zimbabwe remains committed to working closely with fellow SADC countries to deepen regional integration, strengthen economic cooperation and promote sustainable development through enhanced collaboration in transport, ICT, information and meteorology.
The successful hosting of the cluster meeting has reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s readiness to continue playing its part in advancing the SADC regional integration agenda through dialogue, cooperation and implementation of agreed programmes.
The five-day meeting also reviewed progress on ongoing SADC programmes and adopted key resolutions aimed at accelerating infrastructure development, improving regional transport systems, strengthening ICT connectivity, enhancing meteorological cooperation, and driving digital transformation as part of the broader regional integration agenda.
