Chronicle EditorLeonard Ncube, [email protected]
THE Office of the President and Cabinet has congratulated President Mnangagwa for taking over as the chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) at the recent 44th Heads of State Summit in Harare, which the country successfully hosted at the weekend.
This new role highlights Zimbabwe’s leadership position within the regional bloc and will provide opportunities for advancing regional cooperation and development initiatives.
In a statement, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya said hosting such an event required a lot of dedication and hard work.
“The Chief Secretary, Deputy Chief Secretaries, Heads of Departments, Chief Directors, and staff of the Office of the President and Cabinet join the entire nation in extending warm congratulations to His Excellency, the President Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for the successful hosting of the 44th Sadc Summit Heads of State and Government on 17 and 18 August 2024,” he said.
Dr Rushwaya said as the new SADC Chair, President Mnangagwa carries the hopes of the sub-region for building peace and solidarity as well as driving socio-economic transformation.
“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,” he said.
Dr Rushwaya said the positive feedback from delegates and observers was a testament to the effective leadership of President Mnangagwa under the Second Republic.
The summit’s theme, “Promoting Innovation to unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development towards an Industrialised SADC,” aligned with global goals for efficient production and impactful transformation.
Dr Rushwaya expressed confidence that President Mnangagwa’s leadership will drive regional progress and attract investment, despite challenges like regional conflicts and instability.
“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,” said Dr Rushwaya.
“We are confident without reservation that the new leadership role provides an invaluable opportunity for the distinguished revolutionary or impeccable credentials to influence key policy directions that promote social equity and political stability throughout the Sadc region.”
Dr Rushwaya also noted that President Mnangagwa’s tenure would inspire hope and unity, promote social equity, and enhance political stability across the SADC region.
He said President Mnangagwa’s vision for an 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 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 is expected to set a model for democratic inclusive development that leaves no one and no place behind. — @ncubeleon
Online Reporter