Online Reporter
POINT OF NATIONAL INTEREST IN HONOUR OF HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT DR EMMERSON MNANGAGWA’s DISTINGUISHED SADC CHAIRMANSHIP
MR SPEAKER, HONOURABLE MEMBERS,
I rise today with great pride to salute a historic chapter in the journey of our nation and region, the Chairmanship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) by His Excellency, President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa. 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. 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.
He drove industrialisation forward, hosting the 7th SADC Industrialisation Week here 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.
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.
MR SPEAKER SIR,
Then came Antananarivo! On August 17, 2025, at the 45th SADC Summit, President Mnangagwa gracefully handed over the Chairmanship to His Excellency, President Andry Rajoelina of 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.
In Antananarivo, voices of praise rose from fellow leaders:
- President Andry 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 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.
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 His Excellency, Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, for his distinguished tenure and may the foundations he laid continue to guide our region towards unity, peace and shared prosperity.
I THANK YOU.
