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SADC has condemned the use of the SADC brand image in an article in Zimbabwe’s state-run daily publication “<a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/poll-observers-told-to-stick-to-mandate/">The Herald</a>” that ran with quotes attributed to presidential spokesperson George Charamba.
The article, which had the headline: “Stray and we will deport you: Charamba warns election observers”, had a picture of an election observer dressed in SEOM regalia.
In a statement, the SADC Electoral Observation Mission to Zimbabwe (SEOM) said:
<blockquote>
On 11 August 2023, in Gaborone, Botswana, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat noted with great concern a story captioned “Stray and we will deport you: Charamba warns election observers” which attributed to the Herald Newspaper of Zimbabwe, and which appeared on the online “newsdzezimbabwe” 
website on 9 August 2023.
The story is accompanied by a photographic image of an individual dressed in the SADC Election Observation Mission (SEOM) regalia.
The article alleges ulterior motives and pro-opposition agenda by foreign election observers reported to have deployed to Zimbabwe for the forthcoming elections scheduled for 23 August 2023.
The story also mentions specific institutions and observers who are said to have deployed to Zimbabwe to discredit the country’s elections.
None of the institutions or individuals named are linked with SADC or SADC’s official election observation mission (the SEOM).
The use of the image of an individual wearing the SADC election observation regalia in the story, unfortunately, associates SADC with the observers who the story alleges “are audaciously interfering in the country’s electoral processes”.
The use of the SADC branded image to accompany this story places SADC in a negative context and has the unfortunate potential of putting personnel in the service of SADC at risk.
</blockquote>
The image on the article, as well as the headline of the story, have since been changed. The headline has been altered to “Poll observers told to stick to mandate”.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

SADC Condemns Abuse Of Its Brand Image By Zimbabwean State Media

The SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to Zimbabwe will deploy its members countrywide on Friday ahead of general elections to be held on 23 August.
In a statement released on 11 August, SEOM said the SADC Secretariat team has been in the country since 10 August. It said:
<blockquote>
the SADC Secretariat team arrived in Harare on 10 August 2023 to prepare logistics for the launch of the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare, and its concomitant full deployment on 18 August 2023.
The SEOM will be deployed to all ten (10) Provinces of Zimbabwe to observe the pre- and post-election 
phases and the polling day.
Before the Launch, the Head of Mission (HoM), the Republic of Zambia (the Incoming Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs) for SEOM Zimbabwe shall undertake a Courtesy Call to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
The HoM will also conduct meetings with the leadership of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) as well as the SADC Ambassadors and High Commissioners Accredited to the Republic of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
It has invited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), Zimbabwe Republic Police, Attorney General, political parties, voters and citizens, traditional leaders, faith-based groups, civil society, members of the media, Diplomatic Missions/Corps, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Zimbabwe, European Union Delegation in Zimbabwe, other International Cooperating Partners, and the Heads of Delegations of International Electoral Observation Missions, to attend the Launch of SEOM Zimbabwe at the Rainbow Towers Hotel in Harare.
SEOM’s mandate is guided by the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections of 2021. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Mission will assess the conduct of the elections against a set of central principles stipulated in the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections of (2021) which include, amongst full participation of the citizens in the democratic and development processes, measures to prevent political violence, intimidation and intolerance, equal opportunity for all political parties to access the State Media as well as access to information by all citizens, and acceptance of and respect for the election results by all political parties.
</blockquote>
SEOM will join various other observer groups, such as the Carter Centre and the African Union-COMESA teams, already stationed in the country’s 10 provinces.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SADC To Deploy Election Observers To Zimbabwe On 18 August

Zimbabwean presidential candidate, Saviour Kasukuwere, has appealed to Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries to ensure that next month’s elections are free and fair.
Kasukuwere believes that regime change is necessary to improve Zimbabwe’s fortunes. He accuses the current administration, led by incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa, of governing with an iron fist. Kasukuwere claims that Mnangagwa was behind the high court’s decision preventing him from contesting the upcoming national elections.
Kasukuwere has challenged the decision in the supreme court and is determined to continue his campaign, emphasizing that Zimbabwe’s stability is crucial to the SADC region’s economic prosperity. Briefing the media on Friday, Kasukuwere, a former Cabinet Minister said:
<blockquote>
If Zimbabwe conducts her elections in a good and peaceful manner, we will attend to our economy, allow our citizens to come back and play their part in the development of our nation.
</blockquote>
Kasukuwere, who has been living in South Africa since 2017 when the late former president Robert Mugabe was ousted from power, said he is confident that he will emerge victorious after the 23 August elections, which some have said could be riddled with vote-rigging by those supporting incumbent President Mnangagwa.
SADC has in the past been criticised for not taking a strong stance against Zimbabwe’s authoritarian ruling party ZANU PF, and for ignoring human rights abuses and electoral fraud. During the disputed 2008 presidential elections, SADC was accused of being biased towards ZANU PF and for not doing enough to ensure a fair vote. Similarly, in 2013, SADC was criticised for endorsing Zimbabwe’s general elections despite widespread reports of vote rigging and other irregularities.
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

Kasukuwere Appeals To SADC To Ensure Free And Fair Elections In Zimbabwe

The SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC) has refuted reports by Zimbabwe State media that it said the country is ready for elections.
DRC Ambassador to Zimbabwe His Excellency Mipwele Michel and Namibia Charge D’ Affairs in Zimbabwe Zemha Gawahas were quoted as saying Zimbabwe is ready to hold elections.
SEAC is currently conducting consultations with stakeholders in Zimbabwe ahead of the general elections scheduled for later this year.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 19 April 2023, SEAC said it is yet to make a formal announcement on the readiness or otherwise of Zimbabwe to conduct the elections. SEAC said:
<blockquote>
It is important to note that contrary to some press reports, the SEAC has not yet made a formal announcement on the readiness or otherwise of Zimbabwe to conduct the elections.
This recommendation will be made to the Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Co-operation in the formal report to be submitted by SEAC at the conclusion of the mission. The SEAC mission will conclude on 20th April 2023.
</blockquote>
SEAC said its mission is to assess if the political and security environments in the country are conducive for the holding of free, fair, transparent, credible and peaceful elections in conformity with the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines.
The Mission will also assess the Legal Framework governing the 2023 General Elections in Zimbabwe and also assess if the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is prepared and ready to conduct the 2023 General Elections.
The SEAC pre-election goodwill mission is being led by Judge Ticheme Dlamini, the Chairperson of the SADC Electoral Advisory Council (SEAC) and the SEAC Member from the Kingdom of Eswatini, and by Advocate Notemba Tjipueja, the Deputy Chairperson of SEAC and the SEAC Member from the Republic of Namibia.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SADC Yet To State Its Position On Zimbabwe's Readiness To Hold Elections

Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa on Friday held a meeting with Likhwa Dlamini from SADC’s Electoral Advisory Council where they discussed a number of electoral issues.
The SADC’s Electoral Advisory Council also met the governing ZANU PF, other political parties, civil society, and the media.
Chamisa spent over three hours with the SADC delegation where he pleaded with the regional body to push the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to release the voters’ roll. Speaking after the meeting, Chamisa said:
<blockquote>
We have been crying and we continue to cry. We are not in agreement on the issues of the voters’ roll and we are sharing this with our colleagues in SADC.
We would want a credible voters’ roll in Zimbabwe.
The voters’ roll must be public, available, analysable and in a searchable format.
We should be able to audit that roll so that we are satisfied as it is a critical ingredient in order to have free and fair elections.
We have prepared our document, the pre-election pact on elections and we made our humble view known to SADC that we would want to have a political agreement and a political dialogue before elections by all political players in the country.
</blockquote>
Chamisa also implored SADC to intervene in the arrest of CCC’s vice chairman Job Sikhala, who has been in detention since June 2022 on “trumped up charges” according to the opposition party.
Also speaking after the meeting, Dlamini said Zimbabwe has always been violating the SADC principles and guidelines for elections and this should not be allowed to continue. Said Dlamini:
<blockquote>
SADC is there to assess the likelihood of such incidents recurring, but our report does not address such issues and if they keep on recurring, there are other senior structures that deal with such issues.
But SADC will not sit down and watch this continue.
We are not going to use force or push through the throat everything that we think of.
We are going to do it in a way that would make us remain brothers and sisters.
Our presence here is to do an assessment and detect issues, which I think are of concern, and then assist.
We will prepare a report as soon as we finish this mission and submit it to the chairperson of the ministerial committee of the organ and then it becomes a public document.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has a history of disputed elections, particularly since the formation of the MDC in 1999.
The country last held general elections in 2018 and half a dozen people were shot dead by soldiers on 1 August as they protested against alleged rigging.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Chamisa Meets SADC’s Electoral Advisory Council

Zimbabwe has urged fellow SADC member States to monitor non-state actors to ensure they stick to their mandates.
Non-State actors are organisations and/or individuals that are not affiliated with, directed by, or funded by any government, for example, non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Speaking during the ongoing SADC Council of Ministers Meeting currently underway in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Frederick Shava, said Zimbabwe is awaiting the enactment of a law that regulates NGOs. He said:
<blockquote>
It is imperative that Member States ensure the Mechanism for Engagement does not undermine regional cohesion and solidarity.
There is a need for a vigorous and continuous monitoring and review mechanism of accredited Non-State Actors.
This is to ensure that they stick to their mandates and demonstrate accountability, transparency and good governance in their affairs.
Further, cognisance of national legislations which govern the conduct of Non-State Actors should also be appreciated.
The Republic of Zimbabwe is currently awaiting the enactment of the Private Voluntary Organisations Bill, a legal instrument that allows the State to exercise its regulatory function while ensuring enhanced aid coordination and convergence of the work of development partners within the framework of the country’s national priorities.
</blockquote>
SADC Executive Secretary, Elias Mpedi Magosi, urged member states to expedite the signing of the Intergovernmental Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Establishment of a SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC). Said Magosi:
<blockquote>
SHOC’s mission is to coordinate humanitarian and emergency assistance to Member States in the Region affected by disasters, thereby contributing to disaster risk reduction and resilience building.
</blockquote>
The purpose of the Memorandum of Agreement is to establish SHOC and provide a legal foundation for its operation, <a href="https://zbcnews.co.zw/2023/03/19/sadc-urged-to-monitor-non-state-actors/">reported ZBC News</a>.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabwe Urges SADC Member States To Monitor NGOs

Prominent publisher and political analyst Ibbo Mandaza has said the recent assumption of the SADC Troika chairmanship by Zambian leader Hakainde Hichilema will not result in any major change in the way SADC handles Zimbabwe’s disputed elections.
Hichilema, a longtime opposition leader in Zambia before he won the presidency in elections held on 12 August 2021, is widely believed to be an ally of Zimbabwe’s opposition.
Last weekend, SADC leaders convened in Windhoek, Namibia, for the extraordinary Troika Summit, which addresses regional security crises.
The crises in Mozambique and the Kingdom of Eswatini were on the agenda, but Zimbabwe’s upcoming general elections were not.
Hichilema’s assumption of the chairmanship of the revolving post of SADC’s Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, fuelled optimism among some Zimbabweans that the regional body will finally press Harare to implement electoral reforms.
However, in an interview with <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zambian-leader-will-not-change-sadc-stance-on-zimbabwe-polls/">ZimLive</a>, Mandaza said it was unlikely that SADC will change its approach towards the cycle of Zimbabwe’s contested elections even with Hichilema at the helm. He said:
<blockquote>
[SADC is] historically and politically constrained from playing the kind of role, especially that of an interventionist kind in the affairs of a fellow member state that is expected of it.
It is essentially an interstate organization, and therefore statist in orientation, almost impervious to and unable to deal with crises.
Therefore, it’s unlikely that Hakainde Hichilema will dare act beyond the usual that has been expected of a member of SADC ever since its inception in April 1980. It would be good if he surprised us though.
</blockquote>

Hichilema Will Not Change SADC Stance On Zimbabwe Elections, Says Ibbo Mandaza

Political analysts have described CCC leader Nelson Chamisa’s recent plea to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to ensure that Zimbabwe holds free and fair elections as purely symbolic.
In the past, SADC has been accused of doing nothing to end Zimbabwe’s cycle of disputed elections, especially since the emergence of the MDC in 1999.
University of Zimbabwe political science lecturer Eldred Masunungure told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200000218/opposition-loses-hope-on-reforms">NewsDay</a> that SADC has no “appetite” to intervene in Zimbabwe. Said Masunungure:
<blockquote>
I do not think those regional bodies have much appetite to involve themselves in the Zimbabwean situation.
Such calls for solidarity can be made symbolic so that at least they can say they did something in their call for reforms.
</blockquote>
SAPES Trust director Ibbo Mandaza said although SADC could play a role in resolving the problems Zimbabwe is facing, Parliament should play its role. He said:
<blockquote>
Appeals to SADC and the regional bodies are also important, but historically, SADC did little or nothing about the Zimbabwean situation given the declining influence and status of the regional organisation, more than a graphic illustration of the sordid conditions in which Zimbabwe finds itself, economically, politically and socially.
Parliament is one key institution which can be used to resolve the problem. We have opposition MPs in Parliament. What are they doing to push for electoral reforms in that House?
</blockquote>
On Thursday, Chamisa pleaded with SADC for the regional organisation to push for electoral reforms in Zimbabwe ahead of the 2023 elections.
In an open letter to SADC, Chamisa said regional countries will continue to carry the burden of Zimbabwe’s crisis until the governance issues are resolved. Wrote Chamisa:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe has been a burden to her neighbours for far too long. It is time we changed this.
This all starts with solving the governance crisis, once and for all. We need reforms. We must prepare and have a pre-election pact on electoral and political reforms.
Our call to our neighbours is this; we appreciate your benevolence and patience, but you should not have to carry this burden any longer than you already have.
Help us to hold credible elections. We are encouraged that President Cyril Ramaphosa has said the immigration crisis will be discussed at regional level.
Now, more strongly than ever, SADC must demand reforms. We do not ask for anything new; only that Zimbabwe holds elections that meet already existing SADC guidelines.
This, more than shaming the innocent victims of misrule, is what will solve the crisis.
</blockquote>

Chamisa's Appeal To SADC Purely Symbolic - Masunungure

President Emmerson Mnangagwa leaves for Malawi this Monday for the 41st Ordinary Summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government.
The Summit runs from tomorrow to Wednesday under the theme “Bolstering Productive Capacities in the Face of COVID-19 Pandemic for Inclusive, Sustainable, Economic and Industrial Transformation”.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Frederick Shava is already in Lilongwe, Malawi’s capital, for preparatory meetings that precede the Summit.
Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera will take over as chairperson of the bloc from Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi.
A new Executive Secretary to head the SADC Secretariat in Botswana will be elected after the expiry of the tenure of incumbent Stergomena Lawrence Tax, a Tanzanian national.
Tax, the first woman to hold the post, has served the maximum of two four-year terms and under the term limits set by SADC, cannot be reappointed.
Member States will have to choose between two candidates: DRC’s Professor Faustin Luanga Mukela, who is a senior official at the World Trade Organisation, and Elias Magosi, the current head of the Botswana Public Service for the post of Executive Secretary.
A series of meetings leading up to the summit have already been held or are planned, with the SADC Organ Troika Summit expected today.
The Organ Troika, formally known as the Organ on Politics, Security and Defence Cooperation, is mandated to secure and guarantee peace in the region.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/president-leaves-for-malawi/">Chronicle</a></h4>

Mnangagwa Leaves For SADC Summit

A recent study by the Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC) has indicated that the SADC region is hit by droughts every two (2) to three (3) years.
The rate is five times higher than the droughts that were experienced in the region around 1980.
Neto Nengomasha, a senior research coordinator at Sardc, told journalists at a virtual media workshop on Reporting Disasters in the SADC region, that weather events such as droughts and cyclone-induced storms have increased by more than a third this decade. He said:
<blockquote>Severe drought now strikes the SADC region every two to three years as from the year 2010 compared to the 1970s and 1980s when droughts occurred at least after every ten years while floods rarely occurred.
In the 2000s the frequency of drought increased to between four and five years. Tropical cyclones and floods picked up. Tropical cyclones are increasing as well and at least 3 cyclones have already occurred in the 2020/21 rainfall season. Cyclone Chalane in December 2020, Eloise in January and Guambe in February 2021.</blockquote>
Drought is one of the natural disasters causing food insecurity in southern Africa widening poverty levels in the region.
These natural disasters are attributed to climate change which is blamed on industrial activities mainly by developed countries.
World actors have for the past decade been holding meetings on how to address climate change and going green was identified as one of the best ways to address the issue.
Despite the observation that reducing emissions would save thousands of lives and tens to hundreds of billions of dollars per year in avoided economic losses, some powerful states have not been willing to commit to the cause.
While it is a fact that <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/12/08/2019-drought-raises-climate-changes-concern-over-victoria-falls/">developed countries contribute much to climate change</a>, it is also true that developing states are the ones that usually bear the brunt as they do not have enough resources to cushion themselves from the effects of climate change.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/just-in-severe-droughts-now-strikes-sadc-every-2-or-3-years-study/">The Herald</a>

Study Shows Severe Droughts Hit SADC Every 2-3 Years

The 40th Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) was held virtually on the 17th August 2020 and was hosted by Mozambique.
In its Communique, Summit encouraged Member States to actively take measures to prevent external interference in their domestic affairs and also to combat the effects of “fake news” and the misuse of social media platforms, especially during elections. The communique read in part:
<blockquote>Summit urged Member States to take pro-active measures to mitigate external interference, the impact of fake news and the abuse of social media, especially in electoral processes.</blockquote>
Download the full communique in PDF format <a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Communique_of_the_40th_SADC_Summit_August_2020_-ENGLISH.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>

SADC Urges Member States Deal With Social Media Abuse

It’s high time that Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries abandon the “non-interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign country” principle and confront Zimbabwe for going rogue, writes Jamie Mighti.
The recent arrests and denial of bail for Hopewell Chin’ono, a Harvard trained investigative journalist, and Jacob Ngarivhume, an opposition politician, and the arrest of MDC Alliance activists who alleged abduction, torture and s_xual molestation is deeply repulsive and calls for SADC intervention.
Writing for NewZimbabwe.com Mighti asserted that Zanu-PF can no longer be declared legitimate custodians of democracy and should, therefore, be confronted by regional countries. He said:
<blockquote>It can honestly be said that Zanu-PF has reached that same standard of illegitimacy [comparable to racist settler governments].
They can no longer be declared legitimate custodians of democracy and are acting in ways that subvert the will, the well-being, and the legitimate aspirations of the people.
The media has been suppressed. Political parties have been harassed and suppressed. People have been prevented from exercising their political rights.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe has been violated by the administration entrusted with upholding it. When do we reach the point where quiet diplomacy is discarded and active diplomacy is engaged?
… The Zimbabwean regime is enabled and emboldened by the silence of the region. They see they can publicly shoot civilians using live ammunition without regional pushback.
It encourages them to test the limits even further. When they see they can shut down the internet and kill activists, it encourages them to go further.
Now they see they can impose sham lockdown regulations to suppress protest, arrest investigative journalists, and once again the region will look the other way.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/time-for-sadc-to-break-with-zimbabwe/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Time For SADC To Confront Zimbabwe Head-on - OPINION

<div class="bj" data-ft='{"tn":"*s"}'>
The opposition MDC led by advocate Nelson Chamisa has said that the SADC Secretariat was failing the region as it misrepresents issues in member countries.
We present the party’s statement in full below.
<blockquote>SADC secretariat failing the region
The MDC notes with concern a statement issued following a meeting between Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa and SADC executive secretary Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax.
We are not only concerned by how the statement affects SADC intervention on Zimbabwe but its overall assessment of the situation in the region. Our party always had reservations when Mnangagwa took over the reins of the Troika and the briefing he got from the Secretariat vindicates his mediocrity.
To reduce the crisis in SADC to youth unemployment is not only dishonest but contemptuous, cynical and disrespectful of citizens of SADC whose taxes fund the Secretariat. Public expectation is for the Secretariat to be professional in their advice of the leadership of the region.
There are issues of contested elections in the region, not only in respect of Zimbabwe but as evidenced recently in the DRC, Namibia, Botswana and Malawi. Sadly due to the legitimacy question, the crisis in Zimbabwe is worsening. The economy is in intensive care, with the second highest inflation in the world after Venezuela, collapsing foreign exchange, increasing budget deficit and ballooning domestic and sovereign debt. Wages have been eroded by both inflation and the exchange rate of the Zimbabwean dollar against other currencies. Pensions and Health insurance have been rendered useless while industrial capacity utilisation continues to collapse as companies are closing en masse.
There are shortages of electricity, drugs, roller meal, fuel and electricity. Over 8 million citizens are food insecure not only for 2020, an urgent assessment for 2021 is overdue.
The economic situation is just bleak with no solution is in sight. This situation has resulted in massive unemployment not only of young people but across the board and has resulted in millions crossing the border to South Africa and Botswana, among other countries. The spill-over effect is already impacting South Africa, its currency and probably contributes to the junk status. While we are internationalists who advocate for a customs union in Africa, we are cognisant of the fact that migration has to be managed.
Social service delivery has been abandoned, doctors were on strike for over 6 months. The Midlands State University has lecturers on strike, with other institutions of higher learning having had to defer lectures in some faculties and general tuition from primary Schools has gone beyond the reach of many. More importantly Zimbabweans are agitated, for they are suffering and being taxed to fund lifestyles of the political elite.
An implosion is looming. SADC must encourage dialogue and afford Zimbabwean a soft landing and also give Zimbabweans a break from the unpalatable suffering they have endured for decades.
We feel the SADC secretariat is not doing the region any prudent service if it is failing to realize the deteriorating situation in Zimbabwe is a serious threat to regional peace and security.
MDC Communications</blockquote>
</div>

FULL TEXT: "SADC Secretariat Failing The Region," - MDC

The opposition <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Movement_for_Democratic_Change" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Movement for Democratic Change (MDC)</a> on Monday met with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana to appraise the regional body of the situation obtaining in Zimbabwe.
The MDC delegation was led by deputy president <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Welshman_Ncube" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Welshman Ncube</a> and met SADC executive secretary Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax. In a Twitter post after the meeting, Tax said:
<blockquote>During meeting with representatives of MDC today, I reiterated continued SADC support to Zimbabwe and called upon all players (internal and external) to cooperate and put the interests of Zimbabweans first.</blockquote>
The MDC has been pushing for a dialogue with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to deal with the crises which have driven millions of Zimbabweans into penury.
Mnangagwa has hitherto refused to meet MDC leader Nelson Chamisa face to face, insisting that the latter should join the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Political_Actors_Dialogue" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD)</a>, a gathering of little-known presidential candidates whose total votes were less than 5 per cent combined.

MDC Officials Meet SADC Secretariat In Botswana

Foreign Affairs Minister Retired General SB Moyo in an interview with IOL has advocated for a common currency for SADC countries to allow free movement of goods he said.
Watch the video below.
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WATCH: SB Moyo Advocates For A Common Currency For SADC Countries

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has been condemned for ignoring the suffering of the masses in Zimbabwe.
Writing in The East African, Tinashe Chimedza said that while the political elite in SADC was condemning the sanctions against Zimbabwe, demonstrations in Harare against the worsening social, economic and political crises were being brutally crushed by police.
Showing solidarity with the political class in Zimbabwe while abandoning the citizens will likely result in more social unrest. Chimedza opines:
<blockquote>The ruling political class has been very quick to point to the sanctions imposed by the US as a stumbling block to economic transformation.
There is no doubt that the sanctions have restricted the ability of Zimbabwe to access financial facilities from the likes of the IMF and the World Bank. But the story goes further than this.
Zimbabwe’s growth prospects have been hampered by widespread corruption. When the army generals placed Mugabe under house arrest and then he subsequently resigned, they cited corruption around the president as a cause of political instability in the country.
What has since emerged is that for the past four decades in Zimbabwe, the ruling elites have inserted themselves in every corner of the economy – the political class is now the business class.
… Africa has changed and the nationalist movements have been in power for a while now. The nationalist movement has been in power in Zimbabwe for almost four decades and they have made a mess of things.
Unless the regional leaders confront the real problem of militarism in Zimbabwe’s politics, the cycle of repression and protest will continue and more Zimbabweans will continue fleeing poverty.
As Nelson Mandela once said, the Zimbabwe crisis is a leadership crisis.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/oped/comment/SADC-blind-to-suffering-of-the-masses-in-Zimbabwe/434750-5252906-om8cjn/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The East African</a></h4>

SADC Criticised For Ignoring The Suffering Masses Of Zimbabwe

<blockquote>Communiqué of the 39th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, 17-18 August 2019:
The 39th Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) was held at Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, the United Republic of Tanzania, on the 17th and 18th August 2019.
Summit was attended by the following Heads of States and Government and or their representatives:
Angola HE President Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco
Comoros HE President Colonel Azali Assoumani
DRC HE President Felix Antoine Tsisekedi Tshilombo
Madagascar HE President Andry Rajoelina
Mozambique HE President Felipe Jacinto Nyusi
Namibia HE President Dr Hage G. Geingob
Seychelles HE President Danny Faure
South Africa HE President Cyril Ramaphosa
United Republic of Tanzania HE President Dr John Pombe Joseph Magufuli
Zambia HE President Edgar Chagwa Lungu
Zimbabwe HE President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa
Lesotho Right Hon Prime Minister Dr Motsoahae Thomas Thabane
Malawi Rt Hon Everton Herbert Chimulirenji (Vice President)
eSwatini HE The Right Hon Prime Minister Mandvulo Dlamini
Botswana Hon Dr Unity Dow — Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation
Mauritius Hon Nandcoomar Bodha — Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade.
Also in attendance was HE Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax, SADC Executive Secretary; HE Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Developmental Bank; HE Dr Vera Songwe, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
Summit expressed deep condolences to His Excellency President John Magufuli, the Government and the United Republic of Tanzania and the families of the deceased following the deadly fuel tanker accident in Morogoro.
Summit elected HE Dr John Magufuli, President of the United Republic of Tanzania as Chairperson of SADC and HE Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique as incoming chairperson of SADC.
Summit also elected HE Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe as Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and HE Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi President of the Republic of Botswana as incoming chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
Summit commended the outgoing chairperson of SADC HE Dr Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia for his extremely leadership during his tenure.
Summit endorsed the Theme of the 39th Summit of Heads of State and Government, “A Conducive Environment of Inclusive and Sustainable Industrial Development, Increased Intra-Regional Trade and Job Creation’’, which takes forward the SADC industrialisation agenda.
Summit noted the overall decline in food production in the region for the 2018/19 crop season and urged Member states to implement comprehensive multi-year response plans to tackle the recurrent droughts and food insecurity to boost agricultural production.
Summit noted the progress made on the implementation of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and approved the Protocol on Industry which aims to promote the development of a diversified innovative and globally competitive industrial base.
Summit noted with great concern the slow growth in the intra-SADC trade levels and that the region continues to export unprocessed raw material to the rest of the world, therefore, forfeiting the potential benefits of the resource endowments. To this effect, Summit agreed to accelerate the implementation of the industrialisation strategy.
Summit noted the effects of tropical cyclones in the Union of Comoros, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe and commended all Member States for humanitarian support and directed SADC Secretariat to expedite the operationalisation of the SADC Disaster Preparedness and Response Mechanism as part of the regional measures to respond to effects of climate change.
Summit noted the good progress towards the representation of women in politics and economic decision-making and urged Member States to translate laws and policies into concrete actions such as legislative quotas on women’s representation in politics including the application of the Article 5 of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Developmental on Special Measures.
Summit noted the adverse impact on the economy of Zimbabwe and expressed solidarity with Zimbabwe and called for the immediate lifting of the sanctions to facilitate socio-economic recovery in the country.
Summit approved KiSwahili as the Fourth SADC Official Working Language. This is in recognition of its contribution and Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere’s role during the liberation struggle.
Summit noted that Burundi met some of the eligibility criteria for admission of new members into SADC and that she will submit a progress report based on which verification Mission will be undertaken.
Summit also approved the Protocol on Inter-State Transfer of Sentenced Offenders whose objective is to allow for the transfer of sentenced offenders to serve their sentences.
Summit noted the withdrawal of South African’s signature from the Protocol on the Tribunal in the Southern African Development Community of 2014 in compliance with the Constitutional Court ruling.
Summit welcomed the enactment of legislation to establish the National Reforms Authority (NRA) in the Kingdom of Lesotho, called upon all stakeholders in Lesotho to remain committed to the reforms process, and commended the SADC Facilitator for the effective facilitation.
Summit noted the gravity of security challenges, especially of terrorism activities and transnational crime and urged Member States to prioritise the implementation of the SADC Regional Counter-Terrorism Strategy and its Action Plan.
Summit noted the Act of extremism and terrorism in the DRC specifically in Beni area and agreed to continue collaborating with the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region(ICGLR) and consolidate efforts towards the political and security stabilisation of the Great Lakes Region.
Summit noted the acts of gravity of maritime security threats such as piracy, and maritime terrorism; drug trafficking and illegal carrying and trafficking of weapons and ammunition and agreed to jointly address them as part of SADC Maritime Strategy.
Summit commended the outgoing Chairperson of SADC, HE Dr Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia and HE Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, for their outstanding leadership during the SADC Solidarity Conference with the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic;
Summit noted the resolutions of the SADC Solidarity Conference with the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)/Western Sahara and urged the SADC Member States, the African Union and the United Nations to implement the Conference resolutions.
Summit called for the unconditional implementation of all UN resolutions and AU decisions on Western Sahara, which will lead to a positive, peaceful and permanent solution that meets the aspirations of the people of Western Sahara.
26 Summit expressed solidarity with Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic/Western Sahara (SADR) by urging African Union Member States and other partners to ensure that the SADR is not excluded from participating in continental and international events;
Summit directed the Secretariat to notify the African Union Commission to notify the Government of Japan on the SADC position regarding the exclusion of SADR participation in the forthcoming meeting of TICAD in August 2019.
Summit congratulated Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Madagascar, Malawi and South Africa for holding peaceful and successful elections.
Summit directed the SADC Secretariat in collaboration with the Parliamentary Forum Secretariat to develop the model that the proposed SADC Parliament would assume, in terms of its mandate, powers and functions and develop a Roadmap towards the transformation of the SADC Parliamentary Forum into a SADC Parliament;
Summit noted the progress made on the construction of the SADC Standby Force Regional Logistics Depot and mandated the Chairperson of the Organ to engage further the African Union on the support required for the construction of the Regional Logistics Depot.
Summit commended the outgoing Chairperson of SADC, HE Dr Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia and the Outgoing Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, HE Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia for the role played that contributed to the peaceful elections and peaceful transfer of power, while maintaining the territorial integrity of the DRC.
Summit commended the Republics of Angola and South Africa for providing financial and material assistance for the conduct of the 2018 Presidential Elections in the Republic of Madagascar.
Summit commended HE President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique and Honourable Ossufo Momade, the leader of the opposition political party, RENAMO on the signing of the peace and reconciliation agreement on the 6th August 2019, paving way for sustainable peace and revamping of economic and social development.
Summit commended HE Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia for his leadership during his tenure as the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
His Excellency President Dr John Magufuli thanked all the Heads of State and Government for attending the 39th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government.
Summit extended its appreciation to the Government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania for successfully hosting the 39th Ordinary Summit and the hospitality they provided to the delegates during the Summit period.
Done at Dar es Salam, the United Republic of Tanzania, 18th August 2019.</blockquote>

FULL TEXT: 39th SADC Summit Communiqué

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit has declared October 25 as solidarity day against sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States of America, the United Kingdom and the European Union.
The regional leaders tasked the secretariat to lobby the African Union (AU), to raise the issue with the United Nations (UN) at the upcoming 74th UN General Assembly in September this year.
A communiqué of the 39th Sadc Summit of the Heads of State and Government read on Sunday by the SADC Executive Secretary Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax says:
<blockquote>Summit noted the adverse impact on the economy of Zimbabwe and the region at large of prolonged economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe and expressed solidarity with Zimbabwe, and called for the immediate lifting of sanctions to facilitate socio-economic recovery in the country.
Summit declared the 25 October as the date on which Sadc member states can collectively voice their disapproval of the sanctions through various activities and platforms until the sanctions are lifted.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/sadc-declares-anti-sanctions-day/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

SADC Proclaims October 25 Zimbabwe Anti-sanctions Day

Tanzania’s security agents detained and interrogated members of the SADC Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from Tanzania, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
The 48 activists drawn for the SADC countries were participants for the 39th SADC Summit hosted by Tanzania.
A statement released by the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition reads in part:
<blockquote>About 48 participants to the 39th SADC summit, some of them being members of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and South Africa are under interrogation by security agencies.
Some of them started being interrogated yesterday, 16th August 2019, while others (37) were to be interrogated this morning, 17 August 2019.
Some of them had their accommodations searched midnight today in the hotels where they were sleeping in Dar es Salaam.
… We urge security officers to free these rights defenders/CSOs because continuing to hold them will paint a bad image to the nation.
We also urge the Tanzanian police force to speed up their investigation/interrogation and allow the delegates to participate in the ongoing meetings or any planned activity.
To do otherwise would be interpreted as efforts to obstruct these delegates from engaging fully in SADC meetings and other activities planned for today which will eventually distort the image of the country.
</blockquote>

Tanzanian Security Agencies Detain SADC CSOs Activists During Summit

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has been divided over the case of Morocco and the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (Western Sahara).
SADC leaders met in South Africa on Tuesday to express solidarity with Western Sahara, which is under Morrocan occupation.
Angola, Madagascar, Zambia, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) were not represented in South Africa, rather, they attended a parallel summit convened by Morocco.
Speaking at the meeting in Pretoria, South Africa, SADC chairman Hage Geingob, the president of Namibia said:
<blockquote>We were told there is another meeting in Morocco and some SADC members are there. So we must ask if SADC is united in its support for freedom for Saharawi people, or do we need a new approach?
… The decolonisation of Africa will not be complete until the day the people of Western Sahara decide the fate of their future status, through a free and fair referendum.</blockquote>
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said:
<blockquote>We cannot but be moved by the plight of the Saharawi people. It has been 43 years since Western Sahara was annexed.
For four decades the people of Western Sahara have had to endure dispossession, displacement, conflict and deprivation of their liberties.</blockquote>
<h4>Related:</h4>
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<h4><a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/mugabe-in-the-limelight-at-sadc-solidarity-conference/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Mugabe In The Limelight At SADC Solidarity Conference</a></h4>
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<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2019/03/26/morocco-divides-sadc-as-7-countries-attend-parallel-meeting/">ZimLive.com</a></h4>

Morocco Splits SADC Over Western Sahara

MDC vice chairperson Tendai Biti said that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders are dealing with the Zimbabwean crisis behind closed doors.
Biti’s comments come after the SADC chairperson Hage Geingob, who is also the Namibian President, called for the unconditional removal of all sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe. He also castigated local civic groups for working with outsiders to effect regime change in Zimbabwe.
While addressing business executives in Victoria Falls on Wednesday during the first session of a three-day Africa CEO Roundtable conference, Biti said:
<blockquote>I think that a lot of things are happening behind closed doors, that I can assure you, within Sadc. I think that you should not be misled by prima facie appearances of condonation by the leadership of Sadc.
You must also remember that SADC member states have been bearing a lot of weight arising from Zimbabwe’s failure. You have a situation where you have three million Zimbabweans in South Africa as we speak, to a larger extent that South Africa has been subsidising Zimbabwe as we speak.
I think that out of their own selfish interests, they (SADC leaders) will move (to act) on Zimbabwe because the crisis is putting a premium on their country.
… South Africa has been doddering on a 1% gross domestic product (GDP) growth and I think after solving the Zimbabwean situation, South Africa’s economy could grow to about 2 or 3% of its GDP.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/02/sadc-seized-with-zim-crisis-biti/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Newsday</a></h4>

SADC Leaders Dealing With Zim Crisis Behind Closed Doors - Biti

In a statement released on Monday, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chairperson, Namibian President Hage Geingob called for the unconditional lifting of sanctions imposed on the country.
He said that NGOs and some internal groups wanted to destabilise the country with the support of external forces. He added that SADC condemns in the strongest terms the violent demonstrations which occurred in the country in January. He reiterated his view that the protests were meant to destabilise the country.
<img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-77851 size-full" decoding="async" height="1017" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/sadc.jpg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/sadc.jpg 720w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/sadc-212x300.jpg 212w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/sadc-600x848.jpg 600w" width="720"/>

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