Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
SADC member States have been commended for their commitment to strengthening regional legal frameworks.
In his remarks at the virtual SADC Committee of Ministers of Justice and Attorneys General meeting yesterday, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, called for the quicker ratification and implementation of key legal instruments to fully realise the benefits of regional integration.
He praised the cooperative spirit evident in the discussions and expressed confidence that the meeting’s outcomes would lead to actionable results.
“As we draw this important meeting to a close, allow me to express my deep appreciation to each of you for your active participation, valuable contributions and unwavering commitment to strengthening the rule of law and justice across the SADC region”.
Minister Ziyambi said the adoption of legal documents presented by Senior Legal Officials is a significant step towards harmonising legal frameworks and advancing regional integration.
He said the meeting reinforced unity, cooperation and mutual respect among member States.
“Our deliberations today (yesterday) have reaffirmed the spirit of unity, cooperation and mutual respect that continues to define our regional legal and policy engagements,” Minister Ziyambi said.
“Although we met virtually, the strength of our shared vision was palpable throughout our discussions.
“I am confident that the outcomes of this meeting will translate into tangible actions that benefit our Member States and the broader SADC community.”
Despite the positive discussions, Minister Ziyambi pointed out the slow pace of ratification of SADC legal instruments, which he believes hinders regional progress.
“The major drawback that we have encountered as a region is the slow pace by member States in the signing of, ratification of, and accession to SADC legal instruments, which undermines the attainment of the objectives of SADC,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that without ratification, protocols and agreements remain ineffective.
“SADC is a rules-based organisation. Programmes and strategies must be informed by sound legal instruments. Without ratification, these protocols remain symbolic and ineffective,” he added.
The meeting also discussed a proposal for a reporting mechanism that would require member States to regularly update their progress on legal instruments.
Minister Ziyambi believes this will help address delays, as member States will need to account for their progress.
“It is my firm belief that this reporting mechanism will address the slow pace, as member States will now have to account for the progress – or lack thereof – in implementing legal obligations,” he said.
Zimbabwe, which last chaired the Committee in 2015, will hand over the chairmanship to Madagascar in August.
Minister Ziyambi expressed optimism about the future of regional legal cooperation under new leadership, commending the efforts of senior legal officials and the SADC Secretariat.
