By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) have deployed maximum available resources to ensure the safety of the 12 Heads of State and Government expected to attend the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit in Durban.
NATJOINTS chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili briefed the media on a comprehensive intelligence-led security plan ahead of the summit.
SADC will convene its 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government on 17 August 2026 at the Durban International Conference Centre, in Durban.
It will be convened under the theme, “Resilient, sustainable and inclusive industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World”.
Mosikili said NATJOINTS operations for the summit began on August 3, with build-up meetings, side events and other activities already taking place.
She said no security incidents or disruptions had been reported in connection with those activities.
“This is a clear demonstration that the security apparatus of South Africa is equal to the task,” Mosikili said.
Ministers and other high-level delegations from SADC member states were expected to begin arriving in the country from Wednesday, while the Heads of State and Government were expected later in the week.
“We have planned extensively for this Summit, and we are not leaving anything to chance, “Mosikili said.
The operation extends beyond the ICC, where the main summit will be held. NATJOINTS said its plans cover venues, accommodation facilities, transport routes, public spaces and side events.
Mosikili said specialised capabilities – including intelligence, crime prevention, public order policing and traffic management – had been incorporated into the security plan, with all relevant law enforcement and security agencies working together under the NATJOINTS framework.
The approach, she said, was proactive, with authorities identifying and assessing potential threats before putting measures in place to prevent them from materialising.
Temporary road closures are expected when Heads of State are transported between venues. Members of the public have been urged to cooperate with law enforcement and plan their journeys around possible traffic disruptions.
She also appealed to motorists travelling to Durban to exercise caution because of the current cold weather conditions and to monitor advisories issued by the South African Weather Service.
Despite the extensive security measures, Mosikili said Durban remained stable and ready to host the summit.
She also called on residents to extend South Africa’s traditional hospitality to delegates arriving from across the SADC region.
“This is an important regional gathering,” she said, adding that South Africa had an opportunity to demonstrate both its ability to host a major international event and the warmth of its people,” she said.
Among the issues under consideration is strengthening the quality of Council and Summit decisions through improved monitoring and accountability mechanisms.
Member States will also consider a proposed framework for SADC Presidential Champions, which will see Heads of State champion priority regional development programmes including infrastructure development, industrialisation, agriculture, mining, resource mobilisation and social development.
Another key priority is advancing implementation of the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, which remains SADC’s primary development blueprint.