Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata in VICTORIA FALLS
THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) will next week convene a high-level meeting of the Committee of Ministers of Justice and Attorneys General in Victoria Falls to deliberate on key legal and governance issues aimed at strengthening regional integration.
The meeting, scheduled for June 5, 2026, will bring together Ministers of Justice and Attorneys General from SADC member states to provide legal oversight and strategic guidance on regional cooperation, governance and harmonisation of laws within the bloc.
South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, will chair the meeting in her capacity as chairperson of the Committee of Ministers of Justice and Attorneys General.
According to SADC, the committee will review progress on several legal and institutional matters affecting the region and consider several draft legal instruments for recommendation to the SADC Council of Ministers and ultimately the Summit of Heads of State and Government.
Among the key issues set for deliberation is the re-operationalisation of the SADC Tribunal to ensure adherence to and proper interpretation of the provisions of the SADC Treaty and its subsidiary instruments.
The ministers will also examine a study on categories of matters that should be implemented through protocols and those that may be executed through other SADC legal instruments.
The committee is also expected to consider and recommend judges for appointment to the SADC Administrative Tribunal.
Another major item on the agenda is the Draft Agreement Amending the SADC Treaty, which will be recommended to the Council of Ministers for consideration and approval before submission to the Summit for adoption.
The ministers will further deliberate on the Draft Charter Establishing the SADC Pharmaceuticals Pooled Procurement Services, an initiative aimed at creating an autonomous regional institution to coordinate pooled procurement of medicines and health commodities in Southern Africa.
SADC said the initiative seeks to reduce costs and improve access to essential medicines among member states.
The meeting will also discuss proposals to review the SADC Protocol on Legal Affairs in areas requiring revision or amendment.
Another notable agenda item is the Draft Agreement Establishing the SADC Tourism UNIVISA, which seeks to establish procedures and conditions for issuing a regional tourism visa for transit and tourism-related travel among participating member states.
Ahead of the ministerial meeting, SADC Senior Legal Officials from member states’ Ministries of Justice and Attorneys General’s offices will meet from June 1 to 4.
SADC said the regional bloc remains committed to promoting development, peace, security and economic growth, while advancing regional integration founded on democratic principles and sustainable development.
