SADC | News and Development

[preme3000]

This thread is for the Southern African Development Community news, discussion and interests.


SADC to adopt single currency by 2016

Ronny Zikhali, AfricaNews reporter in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
SADC is set to meet and deliberate on the adoption of a single currency to be used for trading by member state, a cabinet Minister Welshman Mpofu said. "The issue of adopting a single currency is a collective effort by all member states and will be debated by the Ministers of Trade and head of states in Kinshasa."
zimbabwe-bill-of-ten-million-dollar
The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Professor Welshman Mpofu said the regional trading bloc’s Ministers of Trade and head of state deliberated the issue when they met in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and would soon sit to further the issue of adopting a single currency.

“This issue falls under one of SADC’s programme which saw the setting of Preferrianial Free Trade Area in 2008, the setting of the Customs Union in 2010 and the Monetary Union by 2016. We are however, going to deliberate about rescheduling it (Monetary union),” Prof Ncube said.

The proposed Ministers of Trade meeting is set for 29-30 September with the heads of state scheduled to meet some time in October for the second time this quarter. Both meetings are alleged to have been crafted solely for this contentious issue of a single monetary denomination.

South Africa’s central bank Governor, Tito Mboweni, was recently quoated as saying Southern African countries have fallen behind targets that will allow them to adopt a single currency by 2016.

Countries in the region have mot met “convergence criteria” on curbing inflation and government spending, Mboweni said at a conference hosted by the University of Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa recently.

The 15 member nations of the SADC, a regional trading bloc, agreed to form a common central bank and adopt a single currency by 2016. To achieve that, countries were required to reduce their budget deficits to five percent of gross domestic product last year and bring inflation down to below 10 percent. Rising food prices and the global financial crisis pushed those targets out of reach for most countries in the region.

“We are very much behind schedule, Mboweni said. Inflation increased at an alarming rate in 2008 due in part to pressures from food and oil.”

SADC is comprised of South Africa, Angola, Botswana, DRC, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Inflation in the DRC averaged 17.9 percent, reached 37 percent in Seychelles and climbed to 10.3 percent in Mozambique, Mboweni said. South Africa’s inflation rate has exceeded the central bank’s three percent to six percent target range since August 2007.

[preme3000]

UNITED NATIONS (AFP) – Madagascar's de facto leader Andry Rajoelina was Friday prevented from addressing the 192-member UN General Assembly, at the request of southern African countries.

Speaking on behalf of the 15-member Southern African Development Community (SADC), Alexis Thambwe Mwamba, foreign minister of Democratic Republic of Congo, raised a procedural objection, pointing out that Rajoelina, who ousted elected president Marc Ravalomanana last March, was not internationally recognized as Madagascar's head of state.

Ali Triki, the president of the 64th UN General Assembly session, then put to a vote a motion backing the SADC argument. The Madagascar delegation subsequently left the assembly hall.

The motion was to decide whether an earlier decision to authorize Rajoelina to speak was valid or not. The vote was 23 against, four in favor and six abstentions.

It was not clear whether the vote would be deemed final or whether the Madagascar delegation would be given a chance to speak Saturday or Monday, when the assembly's annual general debate ends.

Madagascar has been mired in a political crisis since early this year following months of anti-government protests that culminated with Rajoelina toppling his rival on March 17 with the army's backing.

The African Union suspended Madagascar from membership following the coup, and has threatened sanctions if Rajoelina fails to implement an accord to form an accepted interim government.

[MBA-Congo]

SADC Standby brigade equipped for peacekeeping missions

Angop

A SADC Standby Brigade contingent



Loathla -- The Dolphin FTX-phase III manoeuvre staged by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Standby Brigade officers is an evidence that the member states are equipped for carrying out missions as part of peacekeeping operations in the region, said the head of the Angolan military contingent Colonel António José Neto "Tozé".



The senior officer said so following the return of the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) staff at the head of the mission, after eight days of simulated operations.



According to Tozé, the exercise has also demonstrated that there is an interconnection of military cooperation among the forces from other countries in future peacekeeping missions.



He stressed that the practical point of view, the objectives of the Dolphin exercise reached 90 percent.



To him, the brigade, due to its current operational process, is ready to assume the responsibility with regard to the peace operations, not only in southern African, but also in the other regions of the world.



Meanwhile, the Colonel praised the FAA conduct which, according to him, the staff could abide by the guidelines from the heads of the command post of the Angolan Army.



In his turn, the chief superintendent David Cabaca, commander of the Angolan National Police contingent and also of SADC/POOL (police SADC) operations, said that the purposes in these manoeuvres, under the specific mission of the police organ, have been achieved during the operations of law, order and tranquillity maintenance in the fictitious Republic of Loathla.



At the closing ceremony, set for Tuesday, Angola will be represented by a delegation led by the Defence minister, Kundi Paihama, integrated by the Chief of General Staff of FAA, General Francisco Furtado, National Police general commander Ambrósio de Lemos and
other government officials, expected Monday in Pretoria, South Africa.



SOUTH AFRICA - SADC Standby Force showcased its cohesion, readiness and operational capacity during a Field Training Exercise (FTX) codenamed Exercise Golfinho at the army Combat Training Centre in Lohatla in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa.

Executive Director of the Exercise, Major General Andrew Masondo of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) explained at the VIP Day of the training in Lohatla Tuesday that the exercise was a multidimensional Peace Support Operation (PSO).

He said it was meant to exercise the readiness of its forces in accordance with the African Unions (AU) roadmap.

About 5 000 SADC soldiers, sailors and airmen headed here to take part in the inaugural exercise of the regions peacekeeping brigade.

Major General Masondo explained that the need for exercise Golfinho was identified at the SADC Interstate Defence and Security Committee (ISDSC) meeting in Angola last year.

The AU decided soon after its formation in 2 000 to establish an African Standby Force (ASF) that would include one integrated multinational brigade per region. The planning parameters provided an initial capability by 2005 and a fully operational force by June 2010, said General Masondo.

Deputy Brigade Commander of the SADC Standby Force, Colonel David Kgomotso of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) said they attended all the three phases of the exercise which started in Angola with a Map Exercise (MAPEX), followed by a Post Command exercise (PCX) in Mozambique and finally the field exercise hosted by South Africa.

The last exercise known as Golfinho was aimed at testing the SADC Brigades capability to handle conflict situations in line with the evolving International Peace Keeping framework.

Col Kgomotso applauded the good gesture displayed by the SADC member states and assured that the force would be operational by November next year.

We also wanted to demonstrate our commitment to participate in PSOs. We dont want to participate individually, but collectively. We want to practice the doctrine that has been developed, added Col Kgomotso. For his part, SADC Executive Secretary, Dr Tomaz Salomao reiterated that there was a growing need for preparedness in African states in the event of internal conflicts.

He said it was essential for member states to engage in such modus operandi in an effort to promote peace and stability as well as welfare and developments.

He said the training exercise underlined the celebration of SADC that drew inspiration from the culture of its community through such regional interactions.

We are deeply committed to the promotion of peace, stability, growth, development, democracy and good governance throughout our region and the continent.

In addition, we are firmly committed to the promotion of collective security in our region, said Dr Salomao.

The formation will consist of a headquarters, five infantry battalions, a reinforced composite engineer regiment, regiment artillery, armored cars, military police and tactical intelligence personnel. BOPA

[MBA-Congo]

Windhoek hosts inaugural SADC Poetry Festival
Written by Informanté Writer
Thursday, 24 September 2009
THE inaugural three-day SADC Poetry festival kicks off in Windhoek Friday with poets from the region gracing the event organised by artsinitiates-Zimbabwe and Township Productions of Namibia and funded by Prince Claus Fund of Netherlands.

The festival’s theme is Chanting for SADC.
Other partners are Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Lion Press (UK), Blackcherrie Entertainment and Gentlemen’s Club.
Poets coming for the event are Moffat Moyo and Milensu Kapaipi from Zambia; Cynthia Marangwanda from Zimbabwe, Keselofetse Ditsabatho and Tebogo Makgetla from Botswana, Silva Solunga from Angola, Phinda Mkhonta from Swaziland and Khadija Tracey Heeger from South Africa.
Ten poets - Vernon Clete, Sibali Kgobetsi, Libertida Jodd, Julia Amukoshi, Luna Ramphaga, Petrus Haakskeen, Lucky Pieters and Boli Mootseng – have confirmed participation.
On Friday, Namibia’s celebrated poet Mvula ya Nangolo will officially open the event before a workshop scheduled for Saturday at the FNCC where among others, Dr Francis Sifiso and University of Zimbabwe English lecturer, poet and author Memory Chirere as well as the National Theatre of Namibia Director Axaro Thaniseb will deliver papers.
Some of the topics to be covered include how to mainstream poetry within the education system and critical analysis of literature by the media.
There will also be talk about how to handle the issue of gender and disability in poetry as well as using local languages in poetry.
Sunday will see the poets chanting to the public at selected places such as Soweto Market, Zoo Park, and Otjomuise Shopping Centre.
Artsinitiates-Zimbabwe founder and director, Wonder Guchu said the highlight of the festival would be the compilation of an anthology titled My Africa, My Home: Redefinition.
“We are asking poets to look at themselves as the continent’s children. We want them to redefine themselves. What do they think about being African? About being in Africa? This is so because for so long now, Africa has been defined by those who do not feel the joy, pain, anger, despair of being on the continent,” Guchu said.
The anthology will be published by Lion Press (UK). Guchu also said the event will be an annual thing depending on available funding and the poets’ decision during the festival.
“We are establishing a network. Before this network, events involving poetry were isolated. We realised that if politicians can come together, what can stop artists? We are using art to re-integrate the region,” he said

[MBA-Congo]

Angola with largest contingent in SADC Stand-by Brigade

Loathla– Angola’s contingent with the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC)’s Stand-by Brigade involved in the Dolphin Phase III Exercises since September 1 in Loathla, South Africa, is only second in size to that of host country.



Angola’s Stand-by Brigade contingent is 26 percent of the whole troops, that includes soldiers, police officers and members of the civilian component, against South Africa’s 29.



Angola has also in the exercises more than 300 vehicles, with stress to trucks, jeeps, ambulances and military telecommunication equipment, tents, medicine and others.



The contingent of Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) and National Police commanded by col. Sabino Dunguiomba "Saara" and police officer, David Cabaca, includes military medical teams.



The other countries are represented by 15 to 10 percent of the total contingent, involving the three components (military, police and civil).



According to Angop source, the SADC Stand-by Brigade comprises more than 6,000 people, among military, police and civilian staff.



In Loathala the exercises continue with the Stand-by forces consolidating their position in the fight against fictitious rebels who attempted to seize power by the force of arms.



The Navy Forces exercises Angola is attending with a battalion of marines, together with others from the Stand-by Brigade, is going on since September 10, in Walwis Bay, Namibia, closing on September 22 this year.




Since its creation, on August 17, 2007, during a summit of heads of State and Government of the SADC member countries, in Lusaka, Zambia, the Stand-by Brigade has scored progress in the organisation and participation in peacekeeping operations in southern Africa.



SADC groups Angola, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar

[BUTEMBO21]

Governor Moses Katumbi to FARDC soldiers left for Rsa: "Bring up each time the national flag" .

Last Online Thursday, 03 septembre 2009







As part of military exercises initiated by the SADC in South Africa, 175 soldiers of the armed forces of our country have left the Congo on Tuesday 1 September 2009 by Katanga. These soldiers are all part of the 6th Military Region based in this province. These soldiers will follow through these exercises called "Exercise Golfinho SADC, training of 30 days as security and keeping peace in the southern part of Africa, training will be provided by South African instructors.

The Central Government of the Republic with this motorized company of 24 jeeps and 2 trucks as a means of transport. This trip took place on Tuesday 1 September 2009, the day before the opening of the 29th summit of the regional grouping SADC or what the Community of States in Southern Africa.



Speaking for the occasion, Governor Moses Katumbi had those words in place of the military: "The coincidence would have it the start of the motor company was reached the day before taking the chairmanship of SADC by the DRC. Here is an opportunity for us to invite all elements of the company to be disciplined. Take care of materials, equipment and vehicles at your disposal. Stay still worthy, take up every moment the national flag. On behalf of the Head of State, I wish you a safe journey and a pleasant stay in the land of Nelson Mandela. "

Previously, the commander of the 6th Military Region, General Padiri harangued all the components of the motorized company made available to the SADC.

Eden Nsi Bamfumu




Le gouverneur Moïse Katumbi aux militaires des Fardc partis pour la Rsa : «Portez haut à chaque instant le drapeau national»

Mise en ligne jeudi 03 septembre 2009

Dans le cadre des exercices militaires initiés par la Sadc en République sud-africaine, 175 militaires des forces armées de notre pays ont quitté le Congo mardi 1er septembre 2009 par le Katanga. Ces militaires font tous partie de la 6ème région militaire basée dans cette province. Ces soldats suivront, à travers ces exercices dénommés «Golfinho Exercise Sadc», une formation de 30 jours en matière sécuritaire et de maintien de la paix dans la partie australe de l’Afrique, formation qui sera assurée par des instructeurs sud-africains.

Le gouvernement central de la République a doté cette compagnie motorisée de 24 jeeps et de 2 camions comme moyens de transport. Ce voyage est intervenue mardi 1er septembre 2009, soit la veille de l’ouverture du 29ème sommet de ce regroupement régional qu’est la Sadc ou Communauté des Etats de l’Afrique australe.



Prenant la parole pour la circonstance, le gouverneur Moïse Katumbi a eu ces mots à l’endroit des militaires : « Le hasard du calendrier a voulu que le départ de la compagnie motorisée soit intervenu la veille de la prise de la présidence de la Sadc par la Rdc. C’est ici l’occasion pour nous d’inviter tous les éléments de la compagnie d’être disciplinés. Prenez soin du matériel, des équipements et des véhicules mis à votre disposition. Demeurez toujours dignes, portez haut à chaque instant le drapeau national. Au nom du chef de l’Etat, je vous souhaite un bon voyage et un bon séjour au pays de Nelson Mandela ».

Auparavant, le commandant de la 6ème région militaire, le général Padiri a harangué tous les éléments qui composent la compagnie motorisée mis à la disposition de la Sadc.

Eden Nsi Bamfumu

[MBA-Congo]

SADC to adopt single currency by 2016
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Posted on Saturday 26 September 2009 - 09:30
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Ronny Zikhali, AfricaNews reporter in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
SADC is set to meet and deliberate on the adoption of a single currency to be used for trading by member state, a cabinet Minister Welshman Mpofu said. "The issue of adopting a single currency is a collective effort by all member states and will be debated by the Ministers of Trade and head of states in Kinshasa."
The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Professor Welshman Mpofu said the regional trading bloc’s Ministers of Trade and head of state deliberated the issue when they met in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and would soon sit to further the issue of adopting a single currency.

“This issue falls under one of SADC’s programme which saw the setting of Preferrianial Free Trade Area in 2008, the setting of the Customs Union in 2010 and the Monetary Union by 2016. We are however, going to deliberate about rescheduling it (Monetary union),” Prof Ncube said.

The proposed Ministers of Trade meeting is set for 29-30 September with the heads of state scheduled to meet some time in October for the second time this quarter. Both meetings are alleged to have been crafted solely for this contentious issue of a single monetary denomination.

South Africa’s central bank Governor, Tito Mboweni, was recently quoated as saying Southern African countries have fallen behind targets that will allow them to adopt a single currency by 2016.

Countries in the region have mot met “convergence criteria” on curbing inflation and government spending, Mboweni said at a conference hosted by the University of Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa recently.

The 15 member nations of the SADC, a regional trading bloc, agreed to form a common central bank and adopt a single currency by 2016. To achieve that, countries were required to reduce their budget deficits to five percent of gross domestic product last year and bring inflation down to below 10 percent. Rising food prices and the global financial crisis pushed those targets out of reach for most countries in the region.

“We are very much behind schedule, Mboweni said. Inflation increased at an alarming rate in 2008 due in part to pressures from food and oil.”

SADC is comprised of South Africa, Angola, Botswana, DRC, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Inflation in the DRC averaged 17.9 percent, reached 37 percent in Seychelles and climbed to 10.3 percent in Mozambique, Mboweni said. South Africa’s inflation rate has exceeded the central bank’s three percent to six percent target range since August 2007.

[MBA-Congo]

Country with lowest car theft rate in SADC region


Luanda – Angola is the country with the lowest car theft rate in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), said on Friday here the director of the National Criminal Investigation Department (DNIC), commissioner Eduardo Cerqueira.


The source disclosed this information during the closing ceremony of the first course on thefts and illegal acquisition of vehicles, meant for police officers.


According to Eduardo Cerqueira, from 2005 to the first half of 2009, almost 200 cars stolen from South Africa and Namibia were sent back from Angola to the respective countries.


He added that the number of cars sent back has been reducing due to joint operational measures carried out in the trans-border region.


Concerning the course, Eduardo Cerqueira said that trained officials will play an important role in terms of operative actions among experts of various provinces, with the sharing of constant information among experts of the corporation and other dealing with police issues.


The one-week training was attended by 38 Angolans and two South Africans, and mainly aimed at granting practical and theoretical knowledge on how to identify stolen cars.

[MBA-Congo]

SADC House of Chiefs reject Ghaddafi’s proposal

Posted: Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:29:21 +0200
The SADC House of Chiefs has resolved that traditional leaders from the region will not entertain Libyan President Colonel Muammar Ghaddafi’s proposal of forming an organisation that he will head under the title King of Kings in Africa, arguing that a traditional leader cannot be subordinate to another African leader.

The SADC House of Chiefs has resolved that traditional leaders from the region will not entertain Libyan President Colonel Muammar Ghaddafi’s proposal of forming an organisation that he will head under the title King of Kings in Africa, arguing that a traditional leader cannot be subordinate to another African leader.

The Proposal by Libyan President Colonel Muammar Ghaddafi for a United States of Africa came under the spotlight at the regional chiefs meeting held in Harare today.

The chiefs from the SADC region said Col. Ghaddafi will not get their support for his project which has already been dismissed by some African Heads of State and government.

The interim chairperson of Klothla which is the regional house of Chiefs, Klosi Fhumulani Kutama said the idea was tabled when traditional leaders attended the Libyan 40th independence anniversary commemorations but there was consensus that the idea should not be accepted as it will undermine the institution of chiefs.

“We have resolved that we will not be part and parcel of President Ghaddafi forum. Chiefs are born, not made so this business of having a dynasty of the United States of Africa will undermine our role and strength,” said Chief Kutama.

Klosi Kutama said the house of chiefs has a critical role of assisting governments in conflict resolution in the region as most communities highly respect their traditional leaders.

“As traditional leaders we play a key role in conflict resolution programmes,” he noted.

Traditional leaders from the DRC, Lesotho, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe attended the meeting.

[preme3000]

Good, this Libyan dude is talking too much. He needs to send out Libyan engineers, doctors, subsided oil, etc if he is really legitimate about his care for the black part of the continent. The continent needs pragmatism. He needs to pass the torch to one of his sons or something, these old heads need to take the back sit for a minute.

Why can't African leaders just get to business without any stunts, the China communists get busy without making a whole bunch of noise.

[BUTEMBO21]

Originally Posted by preme3000

Good, this Libyan dude is talking too much. He needs to send out Libyan engineers, doctors, subsided oil, etc if he is really legitimate about his care for the black part of the continent. The continent needs pragmatism. He needs to pass the torch to one of his sons or something, these old heads need to take the back sit for a minute.

Why can't African leaders just get to business without any stunts, the China communists get busy without making a whole bunch of noise.

Guaddafi is a comedian. and yes indeed, Old african leaders need to go to to ritiment mantions they built for themselves.

Gaddafi gets on my nerves with his tools that listen to him.

[MBA-Congo]

Lubumbashi : quels sont les enjeux de la réunion des responsables de services douaniers des pays SADC ? mardi 29 septembre 2009

La troisième session du groupe de travail sur les stratégies et la politique douanière de la sous commission de coopération des pays membres de la Communauté de développement d’Afrique australe ( SADC) a démarré, lundi à Lubumbashi. Elle vise notamment sur l’amélioration des infrastructures et la mise en œuvre de la politique de la libre circulation des marchandises et des personnes entre les pays membres.


La ville de Lubumbashi a été choisie pour abriter l’atelier des responsables douaniers de la SADC parce qu’elle constitue le site pilote de transit communautaire avec les postes douaniers de Johannesburg(RSA), Kazungula (Botswana) en passant par Kasumbalesa (RDC), a expliqué le secrétaire exécutif de la SADC , le docteur Salamao. De son coté, l’administrateur délégué général de l’Office des douanes et accises (Ofida), Deo Rugwiza, qui préside cette sous commission, a relevé l’intérêt que la RDC devra tirer de ces assises. C’est notamment l’amélioration des infrastructures douanières, la mise en œuvre d’une politique de la libre circulation des marchandises et des personnes entre pays membres et la création d’un partenariat fructueux entre la douane et les opérateurs économiques. Pendant, quatre jours, les experts douaniers des pays membres de la SADC auront également à mettre sur pied un plan stratégique commun de la sous commission de la coopération douanière.

Le gouverneur du Katanga, Moïse Katumbi, a, quant à lui , invité les participants à matérialiser les différents programmes prioritaires d’intégration régionales.

Cet atelier fait suite au dernier sommet de la SADC tenu à Kinshasa du 7 au 8 septembre, qui a élu Joseph Kabila à la présidence tournante de l’organisation. Ce dernier s’est engagé à tout mettre en œuvre pour promouvoir la paix, la sécurité et l’intégration économique. Le Sommet a mis l’accent sur une politique commune de défense et sur les échanges.

Radio Okapi/DCI



Lubumbashi: what are the issues of the meeting of heads of customs services of SADC? Tuesday, September 29, 2009

The third session of working group on strategies and policies under the Customs Cooperation Committee member countries of the Development Community (SADC) kicked off Monday in Lubumbashi. It aims include improving infrastructure and the implementation of the policy of free movement of goods and people between member countries.


The city of Lubumbashi has been chosen to host the workshop for customs officials of SADC because it is the pilot site for Community transit with postal customs Johannesburg (RSA), Kazungula (Botswana) through Kasumbalesa (DRC) said the executive secretary of SADC, Dr. Salamao. For his part, the managing director of General Office of Customs and Excise Department (OFID), Deo Rugwiza, who chairs the Subcommittee, noted the interest that the DRC will benefit from this foundation. These include improving the customs infrastructure, the implementation of a policy of free movement of goods and people between member countries and creating a successful partnership between customs and traders. During four days, the customs experts from member countries of SADC will also establish a common strategic plan of the Subcommittee on Customs Cooperation.

The Governor of Katanga, Moise Katumbi, has, meanwhile, invited participants to materialize the various priority programs of regional integration.

This workshop follows the last SADC summit held in Kinshasa from September 7 to 8, which elected Joseph Kabila in the rotating presidency of the organization. The latter undertook to make every effort to promote peace, security and economic integration. The Summit focused on a common policy on defense and trade.

Radio Okapi / DCI

[BUTEMBO21]

In Kinshasa: SADC Heads of Police on how to cooporate and share of informations.

[preme3000]

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has refuted accusations that it is responsible for Madagascar's threat to withdraw its membership from the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
This follows Madagascar’s expression of disappointment after SADC members prevented embattled President Andry Rajoelina from addressing the September 24th U.N. General Assembly.

Madagascar is demanding answers from SADC and is threatening to prevent mediators seeking to resolve the ongoing political crisis from entering the country.

Joseph Kabila, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is the current chairman of SADC.

The country’s Minister of Communication, Lambert Mende, is quoted as saying that DR Congo has no interest in undermining Madagascar.

"We think that there is nothing to blame the DRC. The DRC has no personal grievance against Mr. Rajoelina or any Malagasy leader. We are just acting as the chairperson," Mende said.

He said President Kabila implemented what was unanimously agreed upon by members of the sub-regional body.

"Our president is the chairperson of the SADC and as a chairperson he is implementing whatever is being decided by the summit of the Heads of State," he said.

Mende said SADC is troubled by Madagascar's political crisis.

"Everybody in SADC is very concerned about the situation in Madagascar," Mende said.

He said there is need for peace and stability to be upheld in Madagascar.

"We are a principled government and we need principles to be respected. Those are the principles of the people of Madagascar," he said.

Mende said SADC seeks a solution to the Madagascar crisis.

[preme3000]

Infrastructure Development Can Unlock SADC's Economic Potential


With a combined population of some 260 million and a regional market worth over US$430 billion, southern Africa has vast potential for socio-economic development. However, to achieve this, the Member States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) need to work towards developing an efficient, seamless and cost-effective trans-boundary infrastructure network as a thriving economy depends on a reliable infrastructure base at both the national and regional levels.

A vibrant transport network also has the capacity to boost regional integration as well as ensure that the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA) launched in 2008 and the impending Customs Union in 2010 are successful through addressing delays at border posts and promoting the free movement of goods and services across southern Africa. According to the SADC Secretariat, about US$20 billion, mainly from member states and cooperating partners, is required to support trade facilitation measures and upgrade regional infrastructure, particularly roads, rail and ports. Targeted development corridors include the Dar es Salaam Corridor, Shire-Zambezi Waterway, Mtwara Development Corridor, Nacala Development Corridor, Beira Corridor, Limpopo Corridor, Maputo Corridor, Libombo Development Corridor, Trans-Kalahari Corridor, Walvis Bay Corridor, Trans-Caprivi Corridor, North-South Corridor, Trans-Kunene Corridor, Lobito Corridor, Western Power Corridor project, and the Malanje Corridor. Other regional infrastructure projects are the Kazungula Bridge, which would link Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the proposed Zimbabwe-Zambia-Botswana-Namibia power transmission line code-named ZiZaBoNa, which links the four respective countries, and the Benguela railway line between Angola and Zambia.

However, due to various reasons, chief among them lack of funds and will to implement the programmes, regional integration has been greatly affected -- a concern raised by SADC Heads of State and Government at their 2007 Summit in Zambia. The leaders have since directed the SADC Secretariat to work out a regional Master Plan for Infrastructure Development to coordinate and harmonize all regional infrastructure developments. The five priority sectors for regional infrastructure development are energy, transport, telecommunications, water infrastructure and tourism. Stakeholders hope the move by southern African leaders will yield positive results and ensure that SADC countries re-double their efforts in implementing and developing regional infrastructure initiatives, particularly at entry points. Studies show that trade in the region is being hampered by poor infrastructure at border posts, which hinder the smooth movement of goods and services across the region. Joint cooperation in elimination of such inconveniences brought about by inefficient infrastructure and poor services at entry points will pave the way for a more economically-productive region. This includes setting up of One-Stop Border posts across the region such as the one at Chirundu between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

This development will also boost arrivals in the tourism sector and have a positive impact on other industries such as agriculture and communication, unlocking the economic potential that lies within SADC. The region has an abundance of resources that range from renewable energy to tourist attractions, which can only be fully exploited when physical infrastructure such as roads, rail, and transmission lines are built. An improvement in the generation and distribution of energy will also help the region deal with the crippling electricity situation that is affecting growth in southern Africa. Other initiatives needed to develop the infrastructure base in southern Africa include the establishment of a smart partnership between the private sector and government as the latter cannot go it alone.

[preme3000]

Zimbabwe Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai left the country Monday on a mini but crucial regional tour to brief African leaders on fresh political crisis in his home country.

Tsvangirai, on Friday announced that his MDC party had cut all cooperation with his long time political foe President Mugabe. He is scheduled to hold talks with South African leader Jacob Zuma before meeting DR Congo President Joseph Kabila, current chairman of 15-nation Southern African Development Community (SADC) and later see Mozambican President, Armando Guebuza.

Said the premiers spokesperson James Maridadi, "He would brief the leaders on the current precarious political situation in the country and explain the Friday decision to disengage from government”. According to Maridadi it is “up to SADC to rescue the situation,"

Tsvangirai also plans to travel to Angola.

Neighbouring countries in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), led by South Africa, brokered the deal, but it has been plagued by problems since its inception. The Friday pull-out was sparked by the renewed detention of Roy Bennett which led to Tsvangirai describing the relationship with Mugabe as "dishonest and unreliable".

Bennett, a former coffee farmer, whose trial date for has been set for November 9 is facing highly-controversial charges that date back to an alleged coup plot in 2006. Bennett has been charged with possession of arms for purposes of committing terrorism, which carries a possible death penalty.

Local political commentators say Tsvangirai’s stance to boycott the unity government was meant to pressure regional leaders to lean on Mugabe to deliver on his promise to share power with his former opposition foes.

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HARARE -- Joseph Kabila, the president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is travelling to Zimbabwe to mediate in the dispute between the parties of President Robert Mugabe and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. (Pictured: Evil looks: Joseph Kabila, the President of the DRC under the spotlight of his mentor Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe)

“Before returning to Kinshasa on his way back from South Africa to continue mediation in his capacity as president of Sadc and he will hold discussions with both parties,” the Congolese Minister of Communications, Lambert Mende, said in interview from Kinshasa today.
Sadc is the Southern African Development Community.
Zimbabwe’s Movement for Democratic Change Wednesday accused Robert Mugabe of trying to tear apart a unity pact by threatening to replace cabinet ministers chosen by the former opposition.
“It is tantamount to tearing apart the unity government,” MDC spokesman Nelson Chamisa told AFP.
The state-run Herald reported Wednesday that Mugabe was pondering replacing MDC ministers who have not attended cabinet meetings since Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai cut ties with Mugabe’s ZANU-PF after a deadlock over key issues.
“His Excellency may have to consider appointing ministers in an acting capacity to key ministries for the sake of a successful agricultural season and general economic turnaround,” Agriculture Minister Joseph Made told the Herald.
“Important Cabinet decisions have to be translated into action expeditiously,” he said.
Chamisa slammed Mugabe for acting outside the spirit of the global political agreement (GPA), which has been hampered by a deadlock over key appointments on which Mugabe insists and by a crackdown on MDC supporters.
“That is a laughable proposition. This is precisely the reason why we are deadlocked. They are in a mode of unilateralism and arrogance which has not helped the spirit of the GPA,” Chamisa said.
“You cannot appoint an acting minister when there is a substantive minister. It will create a parallel government,” he added.
The unity government, created in February a year after disputed polls, is in deep trouble and hopes are pinned on a meeting by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) security organ Thursday to resolve the latest impasse.
“This deadlock will have to be broken. SADC and the AU (African Union) as guarantors will have to break this deadlock. It is in the interest of all of us,” said Chamisa.
The MDC has accused Mugabe’s ZANU-PF of spurious arrests, and said Tuesday that the party’s transport manager Pascal Gwezere had been abducted and arrested hours after a similar attempt on another party member.

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South Africa: Govt, DRC to Strengthen Relations .
29 October 2009


Pretoria — South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will boost their existing ties during a Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town today.

"South Africa will host this session of the BNC within the context of South Africa's commitment to assisting the people of DRC in their post-conflict reconstruction and development programme," said International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson Nofaneko Kota said in statement.

Issues on the agenda will include the status of cooperation in the political and diplomatic areas, including economy, finance and infrastructure co-operation, including spatial development initiatives, politics and governance, humanitarian affairs and economic; finance and infrastructure.

However, the violence in the eastern DRC might over shadow the agenda. South Africa might have to pressure DRC President Joseph Kabila to take action.

South Africa has greater legitimacy in the DRC than other countries because of its critical role in guiding the negotiations which led to the 2006 elections.

Human rights groups say that more than 1 000 civilians have been killed and nearly 900 000 displaced since January.

The DRC has over the past six years evolved as one of South Africa's growing main trading partners in the region.

Minister Maite Nkoana Mashabane will be accompanied by the department's Director General Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba and senior government officials.

The ministerial meeting will mark her first participation in the forum since her appointment to her current portfolio.

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RSA-DRC: Kabila Zuma and finalize the 6th Joint Commission in Pretoria.




The 6th Joint Commission DRC - RSA held in Pretoria from 27 ends this Friday, October 30. Congolese President Joseph Kabila has made the trip from South Africa attended with his counterpart, Jacob Zuma, at the ceremony.

The cooperation between Pretoria and Kinshasa works very well for the work of the Inter Congolese Dialogue in Sun City so far, said the Congolese ambassador to South Africa, Ben Mpoko, referring to the signing by the two countries at least thirty agreements in various fields.


The two Heads of State and will finalize the work done by their respective delegations. During the 6th Joint Commission, the DRC hopes to defend several projects, particularly in the agricultural sector, said Ambassador Mpoko.


Another area of interest at the highest point on the Congolese government in this cooperation is that of telecommunications. The DRC also hoped to get over the work of the 6th Joint Committee a more collaborative corporate sector of both countries, to enable the Congo Democratic modernize its communications network, said the Congolese diplomat.

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October 30 2009

The South African Development Community (SADC) chairperson and DRC President Joseph Kabila says Zimbabwe's Global Political Agreement remains the only tool out of that country's problems.

He also said the Global Political Agreement is binding to all parties in the Zimbabwean peace process. Kabila was speaking at the end of the SA-DRC Bi-National Commission which he co-chaired with President Jacob Zuma in Pretoria today. The two presidents met to discuss the political and economic relations between the two countries as well as challenges facing the region with specific focus on Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe's unity government is on the brink of collapse after the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) boycotted Cabinet meetings. President Kabila said he will soon travel to Harare to help diffuse the situation. The SADC has helped to broker peace in Zimbabwe which led to some kind of political stability in the southern African country.

But the agreement which led to the formation of an inclusive government in September last year is bedeviled by problems, ranging from the appointment of the Attorney General to that of the Reserve Bank Governor. But the re-arrest of MDC treasurer and Deputy Minister of Agriculture Roy Bennet last month is the straw that broke the camel's back and resulted to the MDC pulling out of the Cabinet.

Zanu-PF has on the other hand hinted that it would be appointing caretaker ministers if the MDC remains outside. Kabila says the SADC organ on Politics Defence and Security or troika is in Harare to get a better understanding on the situation that led to the stalemate. President Zuma also praised his DRC counterpart for his leadership in turning the economy around and reducing the levels of poverty in less than five years of his presidency after years of long and devastating war.

SA to continue working with Kinshasa

The president also says Pretoria will continue to deepen and strengthen relations with Kinshasa. He says they will work together in different areas to improve the lives of people from both countries. Both presidents agreed that the next session of the SA-DRC Bi-National Commission will be held in Kinshasa on a date to be determined through diplomatic channels.

Meanwhile, President Zuma has announced the appointment of Welile Nhlapo and Mac Maharaj as national security special adviser and special envoy, respectively. Nhlapo is currently South Africa's ambassador to the United States.

He previously served as Special Envoy to Burundi and head of the technical team that assisted Zuma when he was deputy president of the country during the Burundi negotiations. Maharaj is a former transport minister and a veteran of the ANC and South African Communist Party who spent 12 years in exile. He was commander of a secret ANC operation, Vula, on his return to the country.