Online Reporter
Farirai Machivenyika
Senior Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa’s Sadc Chairmanship was characterised with practical action and propelled the region forward, Chegutu East legislator Cde Webster Shamu, who is also the Chairman of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, has said.
Cde Shamu said this on Thursday in the National Assembly while moving a point of national interest in honour of the President’s tenure as the Sadc’s Chairman beginning in August last year during the 44th Sadc Summit which the country hosted, until last week when he handed over the reins to Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina during the 45th Sadc Summit.
In his statement, Cde Shamu said he was proud of the President’s leadership of the region.
“His leadership of the 44th SADC Summit, beginning in August 2024, provided the political anchor and vision that propelled Southern Africa forward with renewed momentum,” he said.
“Mr. Speaker Sir, there are moments and achievements that go beyond political party persuasion; they speak to us as Zimbabweans, united in pride and purpose. This Chairmanship is one such moment.
“President Mnangagwa’s tenure was about action, not words. Under his guidance, Zimbabwe delivered transformative projects, the Beitbridge-Harare-Chirundu Highway breathing life into the North–South Corridor; the Trabablas Interchange easing regional traffic; the modernised VIP Pavilion at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and the commissioning of Hwange Units 7 and 8, which added vital energy to our grid and to the wider region.”
Cde Shamu added that President Mnangagwa drove industrialisation forward, hosting the 7th SADC Industrialisation Week in Harare and promoting value addition, innovation and youth enterprise.
“Through Education 5.0, Zimbabwe inspired hubs of invention and agro-industrial parks, which became a model for others. In agriculture, Pfumvudza/Intwasa was celebrated as a climate-smart farming model that strengthens food security across the SADC region,” he said.
“On peace and governance, His Excellency presided over the launch of the SADC Standby Force Regional Logistics Depot, supported election observation in the DRC and Madagascar and championed stability and democracy.
“For the environment, Zimbabwe hosted the first SADC Summit on Transfrontier Conservation Areas, a bold initiative linking conservation, tourism and livelihoods.”
He also commended President Mnangagwa’s smooth handover of the Chairmanship to President Rajoelina on August 17, during the 45th SADC Summit in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
“That very day, Madagascar and Mauritius signed the Agreement Amending the Treaty, bringing to 15 signed-up Members, thanks to the leadership prowess of His Excellency, the President. The transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum into our long-awaited Regional Parliament is now within reach. History is being written and Zimbabwe stands at its centre,” Cde Shamu added.
In Antananarivo, President Mnangagwa’s leadership was recognised by his counterparts, Cde Shamu said.
“President Rajoelina warmly thanked President Mnangagwa for handing him a SADC of progress and momentum. President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed his pragmatic leadership that advanced industrialisation and peace.
“Prime Minister Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam of Mauritius commended Zimbabwe’s bold role in lifting regional integration to new heights. And the SADC Executive Secretary, Mr Elias Magosi described his tenure as one of practical achievement, a season where promises were translated into visible results. Like a chorus of nations, they affirmed Zimbabwe’s leadership, resilience and vision.”
He said under President Mnangagwa’s Chairmanship, SADC consolidated connectivity and infrastructure, industrial and agricultural transformation, peace, democracy, and environmental stewardship, and continental and global visibility.
“This proves that Zimbabwe does not simply occupy a seat in SADC. Zimbabwe leads, Zimbabwe inspires and Zimbabwe delivers.
“Let us then commend President Mnangagwa, for his distinguished tenure and may the foundations he laid continue to guide our region towards unity, peace and shared prosperity,” he said.
