By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The official opening of the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government at the Durban International Convention Centre was marked by a celebration of Southern African unity and culture, setting a warm and reflective tone for the high-level gathering.
Acclaimed South African poet Lebo Mashile opened the proceedings with a moving poem dedicated to SADC, reflecting on the shared history, aspirations and interconnectedness of the region.
Her performance was followed by cultural presentations showcasing South Africa’s rich heritage, bringing a distinctly local character to the opening of the regional Summit.
The performances offered a reminder that beyond the political and economic agenda of SADC, the region is bound by a shared history, culture and collective aspirations.
Welcoming the regional leaders to South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa extended a warm greeting on behalf of the Government and people of the country.
“You have come not as strangers or visitors, but as brothers and sisters, as partners and as fellow custodians of a shared Southern African destiny,” the President said.
Ramaphosa said the Summit was taking place at an important location in the history of African unity, noting that Durban was the city where the African Union was officially launched 24 years ago.
He also highlighted that the Summit was taking place exactly 34 years after the SADC Declaration and Treaty were signed in Windhoek, Namibia, on 17 August 1992.
“We therefore meet at the confluence of two defining moments in Africa’s history: the establishment of our Southern African Community and the birth of our continental Union,” he said.
Ramaphosa also reflected on SADC’s history, describing the Community as having its roots in solidarity among Southern African countries during the struggle against colonialism, minority rule and apartheid.
“The story of SADC is a story of the triumph of solidarity over division and adversity. Before we became a development community, we were a community of solidarity, “Ramaphosa said.
He called for this spirit of solidarity to now underpin efforts to deepen regional economic integration, strengthen infrastructure and energy cooperation, develop climate-resilient food systems and maximise the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He also stressed that peace, security and democratic stability remained essential to the region’s development.
“Peace without development is fragile. Development without peace is impossible,” he said.
He called for continued investment in preventive diplomacy, mediation and political dialogue, as well as stronger regional cooperation in responding to security and health challenges.
Ramaphosa concluded by urging leaders to ensure that the Summit was remembered not only for the declarations adopted, but for the decisions implemented.
“Let us turn our borders into bridges. Let us turn our resources into industries. Let us turn our youthful population into a powerful demographic dividend. Let us turn our solidarity into shared prosperity,” the President said.
He subsequently declared the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community officially open.