10.30 – President Mnangagwa has arrived in Botswana for his maiden visit to the SADC Secretariat Headquarters as Chairman of the regional bloc.
He was welcomed by Botswana Minister of Foreign Affairs Phenyo Butale, Botswana Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms Sarah Molosiwa and Zimbabwean Ambassador to Botswana Henry Mukonoweshuro.
10.33 – During his tenure, the President will push the realisation of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP 2020-2030) and SADC Vision 2050.
The two strategic plans seek to further deepen Southern Africa’s regional integration and foster development.
They are premised on three interrelated pillars; Industrial Development and Market Integration; Infrastructure Development in support of Regional Integration; and Social and Human Capital Development.
10.37 – The President was also welcomed by a military guard of honour under a cloudy sky. He is now proceeding for a briefing at a local hotel before the commencement of his itinerary which will see him meeting the SADC Secretariate management and staff. As Chair, the President will also be handed over the recently acquired SADC Secretariat Headquarters building before presiding over a ground-breaking ceremony of the SADC Regional Logistics Depot.
10.53 – During their tenure, SADC Chairpersons traditionally visit the Secretariat to engage with management and address staff, as well as get an appreciation of day to day operations. Accompanying President Mnangagwa during his itinerary will be Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko, as the host leader.
10.56 – What SADC Chairpersons do on maiden SADC Secretariat visit
– Welcomed at SADC House by Executive Secretary Mr Elias Magosi, supported by the SADC Secretariat Management and the SADC Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to the Republic of Botswana and SADC
– ushered by the SADC Executive Secretary to sign the guest book
– ushered to the Julius Nyerere SADC Library to appreciate the SADC History Collection
– Photo Session in the SADC Secretariat reception area with SADC Ambassadors based in the Republic of Botswana
– SADC Chair Unveils the Visiting Placard
– Photo Session in front of the SADC Secretariat building
– SADC Chair and Chairperson of the Council of Ministers meet with regional bloc’s Management team
– Briefing on the mandate, functions and structure of the SADC Secretariat
– Briefing on Priorities of SADC, and Overall Status of Regional Integration in SADC
– SADC Chair gives reaction and guidance
– meeting with all SADC Secretariat Staff
11.33 – President Mnangagwa has begun the tour
12.15 – The SADC Chair is now in a meeting with the Secretariat management.
In the meeting, Mr Magosi will give introductory remarks and thereafter, a video on the SADC Vision and RISDP 2020-2030 priority areas will be played.
Deputy Executive Secretary Dr Judith Kateera will then give a briefing on the mandate, functions and structure of the SADC Secretariat.
At the end of the meeting the President will give a reaction and proffer guidance on the way forward
13.06 – President Mnangagwa share notes with Botswana’s President Boko
Botswana’s President Duma Gideon Boko and President Emmerson Mnangagwa are now having a tête-à-tête.
Zimbabwe and Botswana’s relations have continued to grow in leaps and bounds as evidenced by frequent engagements at Head of State level in the last two months.
President Boko, as the host President, is accompanying President Mnangagwa during his visit to Botswana.
13.34 – SADC Secretariat headquarters to be handed over to President Mnangagwa
As chair, the President will be handed over the recently acquired SADC Secretariat Headquarters building in Gaborone, Botswana.
Prior to the building’s purchace, SADC had been leasing it for about 18 years.
Bongwe Investments board member Neo Bogatsu said they worked cordially with SADC until the
13.34 – President Boko pledges Botswana’s commitment to regional integration
Botswana is committed to regional integration and that of the continent at large, newly elected President Duma Boko has said.
He was speaking at the handover of the SADC Secretariat Headquarters to President Mnangagwa, who is the bloc’s chairman, this afternoon.
President Boko said Botswana appreciates President Mnangagwa’s leadership as SADC chairman.
“The SADC chair and I are her to receive this building and attest to this significant milestone. We are here to reaffirm the binds and bonds that hold us together,” he said.
“This is a propitious moment which began over 20 years ago when a decision was taken in Luanda to establish the SADC Headquarters in Botswana.
The idea moved from words spoken into concept crystallised, examples enacted and it is a spectacular outcome attained.”
President Boko concluded his speech by indicating that SADC stands out as a source of hope, strength, unity, resilience and social cohesion.
13.49 – SADC headquarters handed over to President Mnangagwa
The SADC Headquarters Building has been handed over to President Mnangagwa, who is the chairman of the regional bloc.
He received the building on behalf of the region’s Heads of State and Government.
Prior to its handover, the edifice was under management through a public-private-partnership agreement involving SADC, Bongwe Investments (Proprietary) Limited as the private party and the Botswana government as a guarantor to the arrangement.
Speaking at the hand-over ceremony this afternoon, President Mnangagwa said the building testifies the importance of collaborative efforts.
“SADC House should be an embodiment of the region’s history, culture and heritage. The building testifies the importance of collaborative efforts. I congratulate all parties involved in the public–private partnership.
President Mnangagwa went on to congratulate President Boko on his recent election victory.
“Botswana is our second home. Our two countries enjoy excellent multi-faceted relations. And the enabling environment in Botswana allows the SADC secretariat to execute the bloc’s mandate seamlessly.”
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