COMMUNIQUE OF THE 30TH JUBILEE SUMMIT OF SADC HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT
18-08-2010

Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) was held in Windhoek, Republic of Namibia from August 16 - 17, 2010.

Summit was officially opened by SADC Chairperson, His Excellency Joseph Kabila Kabange, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Summit elected His Excellency President Hifikepunye Pohamba of the Republic of Namibia and His Excellency President Jose Eduardo dos Santos of the Republic of Angola as Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of SADC respectively.

Summit also elected His Excellency President Rupiah Bwezani Banda of the Republic of Zambia and His Excellency Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, President of the Republic. of South Africa as Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation respectively.

The Summit was attended by the following Heads of State and Government:

Botswana
DRC
Lesotho
Malawi
Mauritius
Mozambique
Namibia
South Africa
Swaziland Zambia
Zimbabwe
Angola
Seychelles
Tanzania

- H.E. Lt. Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President of the Republic of Botswana;

- H.E. Joseph Kabila Kabange, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo;

- Rt. Hon. Pakalitha B. Mosisili, MP, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho;

- H.E. Ngwazi Professor Bingu wa Mutharika, President of the Republic of Malawi;

- Dr. the Hon. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, GCSK, FRCP, Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius;

- H.E. Armando Emilio Guebuza, President of the Republic of Mozambique;

- H.E. Hifikepunye Pohamba, the President of the Republic of Namibia;

- H.E. Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa;

- H.M. King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Swaziland; H.E. Rupiah Bwezani Banda, President of the Republic of Zambia;

- H.E. Robert Gabriel Mugabe, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe;

- H.E. Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, Vice President of the Republic of Angola;

- H.E. Danny Foure, Vice President of the Republic of Seychelles; and

- H.E. Amani Abeid Karume, President of Zanzibar of the United Republic of Tanzania.

- Summit was also attended by the following former Heads of State and Government of SADC Member States:

- H.E. Sir Ketumile Masire, Former President of the Republic of Botswana;

131.

- H.E. Joaquim Alberto Chissano, Former President of the Republic of Mozambique;

- H.E. Dr. Sam Shafishuna Nujoma, Founding President and Father of the Namibian Nation; and

- H.E. Kenneth David Kaunda, Founding President of the Republic of Zambia.

- The following organisations were represented at the Summit: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the SADC Parliamentary Forum.

- His Excellency President Hifikepunye Pohamba of the Republic of Namibia and host of the 30th SADC Jubilee Summit welcomed the SADC Heads of State and Government and all the delegates to the Republic of Namibia. His Excellency thanked the Former Heads of State and Government of SADC Member States for their vision and dedication as well as laying a solid foundation for the development of SADC.

- Summit was also addressed by the Chairperson of the African Union, His Excellency Ngwazi Prof. Bingu wa Mutharika, the President of the Republic of Malawi. His Excellency underscored the need for the region to achieve food security as a basis for sustainable economic growth. His Excellency further called on the Southern African leaders to enhance the region's application of science and technology to address issues of climate change, energy and infrastructure development. His Excellency also urged Member States to give attention to safe motherhood programmes, at both country and regional levels, in order to significantly reduce maternal, infant and child mortality by 2015.

The Outgoing Chairperson of SADC, His Excellency President Joseph Kabila Kabange in his hand over statement, paid tribute to, amongst others, the Founding Fathers of SADC, the Frontline States, and the visionary pan-African leaders. He highlighted the achievements recorded by SADC in the last 30 years which include infrastructure development, the launch of the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA). In his acceptance statement, His Excellency President Hifikepunye Pohamba thanked the outgoing Chairperson for the able manner in which he steered SADC during his tenure of office. His Excellency pledged commitment to further strengthen cooperation among SADC Member States in order to enhance the capacity of the region to address common challenges.

The Executive Secretary of SADC, Dr. Tomaz Augusto Salomao highlighted progress made during the past year in the implementation of the regional development and integration agenda. He noted that the region is still recovering from the global economic crisis and outlined policy measures to enable' the region to cushion itself from any future economic crisis. Summit congratulated the Republic of Angola and the Republic of South Africa for successfully hosting the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup respectively.

Summit received a report from the outgoing Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, His Excellency Armando Emilio Guebuza. Summit noted that the region continues to consolidate democracy, peace and security. In this regard, Summit noted the peaceful and orderly manner in which the people of Botswana, Mauritius, Mozambique and Namibia exercised their democratic rights as they voted in the presidential and parliamentary elections held in their respective countries. Summit noted that these electoral processes were regarded as free, fair, transparent and credible.

Summit noted the efforts being made in the search for sustainable political solutions in the Kingdom of Lesotho, Republic of Madagascar and the Republic of Zimbabwe.

On the Kingdom of Lesotho, Summit commended the stakeholders for their commitment to the post-electoral dialogue, the role of the Christian Council of Lesotho and SADC Facilitation Team in mediating the Lesotho post election dialogue. Summit also urged the Lesotho stakeholders to work together towards the finalisation of the Bill Amending the Electoral Law as a matter of urgency. On Madagascar, Summit commended His Excellency President Chissano, SADC Mediator in the Madagascar dialogue, for his efforts of restoring constitutional normalcy in the country. Summit approved the following:

SADC, the African Union and the wider international community should lend their political, technical, material and financial support to the process of Malgacho-Malgache dialogue;

the SADC Mediator should continue to follow the situation closely, avail his support and facilitation to the Malagasy as appropriate, and report regularly to SADC and AU on developments in Madagascar;

the need for the dialogue process to observe the key principles of neutrality, consensus, credibility and inclusiveness; establishment of a SADC liason office in Madagascar in order to support the dialogue process in the country; and continuation of the sanctions on the Republic of Madagascar until the country returns to constitutional nolmacy.

On Zimbabwe, Summit:

commended His Excellency Jacob Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa and Facilitator of the Zimbabwe Political Dialogue for facilitating the implementation of the Global Political Agreement (GPA).

Commended the Zimbabwe stakeholders for their efforts towards implementation of the GPA;

Urged the Zimbabwe stakeholders to remain committed to the implementation of the GPA; reiterated its call on the ,international community to lift all forms of sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe in view of the negative effects they have on Zimbabwe and the SADC region in general; and mandated the Chairperson of SADC assisted by the Chairperson of the Organ and the Facilitator of the Zimbabwe Political Dialogue to engage the international community on the issue of sanctions on Zimbabwe.

Summit noted the economic and security threat posed by piracy in the coastal waters of SADC Member States, especially Seychelles, Mauritius and United Republic of Tanzania. Summit mandated the Secretariat to send a team of technical experts to establish the extent of the problem and recommend appropriate measures.

Summit received a report from the Ministerial Task Force on Regional Economic Integration. Summit noted that the Task Force has adopted a comprehensive work programme with concrete actions and timelines aimed at consolidating the SADC FT A.

Summit reaffirmed commitment to establish a SADC Customs Union and endorsed the decision of the Task Force to appoint a high level expert group. The main mandate of this group will be to consolidate and refine technical work so far done in order to reach agreement and common understanding on the parameters, benchmarks, timelines, a model customs union and its implementation modalities. A report will be submitted to the Task Force before December 2011.

Summit noted the preparations towards establishing the COMESA-EACSADC Tripartite FT A. Summit also noted that SADC will host the next Tripartite Council and Summit. To this end, Summit mandated the Chairperson of Council and the Executive Secretary to consult with Member States regarding the dates and venue of the Tripartite Council and Summit meetings.

Summit reviewed progress on the socio-economic situation in the region with particular focus on the impact of the global economic crisis on the region, food security, climate change, HIV and AIDS and Gender and Development.

Summit noted the adverse socio-economic effects of the global economic crisis on the region and underscored the need to take into account various factors and players such as the emerging economies and business community in coming up with remedial measures. In this regard, Summit mandated the SADC Secretariat in collaboration with the Chairperson of SADC to convene an Extra Ordinary Summit on Economic Development. With regard to the food security situation in the Region, Summit noted that there is overall improvement. In this regard, Summit noted that the region recorded overall increased food production in the current marketing year with cereal surpluses in Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia. Summit noted that while food production and availability has improved in the Region, access to food and malnutrition at household level remains a challenge.

Summit urged Member States to scale up the implementation of the Dares-salaam Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security and to support the African Food Basket Initiative, which is aimed at the transformation of the African Continent to food self sufficiency within the next five years. In this regard, Summit mandated the Secretariat to explore how SADC can access resources from the US$22 billion L'aquila Food Security Initiative pledged by the G8.

Summit reiterated SADC's' support of the African common negotiating position on the global climate change regime after the expiry of the Kyoto Protocol in 2012. Summit noted that this issue will be discussed at the 16th Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in Cancun, Mexico in November-December 2010.

28. Summit noted progress made in the implementation of the Maseru Declaration on Combating HIV and AIDS, particularly on Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission and the uptake of Anti retroviral therapy. In order to achieve universal access targets and mitigate the impact of HIV and AIDS on socio-economic development and regional integration, Summit urged Member States to intensify their efforts in implementing the Maseru Declaration on Combating HIV and AIDS. Summit also urged Member States and the international community to support the replenishment of resources to the Global Fund to fight against HIV and AIDS, TB and Malaria. Summit noted progress made towards the achievement of the 50% representation of women in political and decision making positions at all levels in line with its 2005 decision. Summit noted that the overall situation is generally varied with some SADC Member States recording improvement while others are regressing.

Summit urged Member States to ratify and implement the Protocol on Gender and Development.

Summit urged Member States to support safe motherhood programmes in order to reduce maternal, infant and child mortality in line with the Millennium Development Goal commitments.

Summit endorsed the Council decision on the establishment of the Regional Poverty Observatory which will facilitate the implementation of the SADC Declaration on Poverty Eradication and Sustainable Development.

Summit decided that a review of the role functions and terms of reference of the SADC Tribunal should be undertaken and concluded within 6 months.

Summit celebrated the 30th SADC Anniversary, during which felicitations on this special occasion were delivered on behalf of all the SADC Heads of State and Government by H.E. the Vice-President Fernando Dias Dos Santos and H. E. President Robert Gabriel Mugabe.

Delivering the keynote speech on the 30th Anniversary, SADC Chairperson and Host of the 30th SADC Jubilee Summit His Excellency President Hifikepunye Pohamba of the Republic of Namibia said .....

Summit conferred the Sir Seretse Khama SADC Medal to the following notable Statesmen of the SADC Region:

(a) His Excellency Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, Former President of the Republic of Zambia;
(b) His Excellency Dr. Sam Nujoma, Former President of the Republic of Namibia; and
(c) Ambassador Brigadier General Hashim Mbita of the United Republic of Tanzania. Summit appointed Ms. Emilie

Ayaza Mushobekwa from the Democratic Republic of Congo as SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Finance and Administration and she was sworn in by His Excellency, Ariranga G. Pillay, President of the SADC Tribunal.
Summit also received the Windhoek Declaration for the 2010 SADC First Spouses Summit of the SADC Region that underscored the importance of women's economic empowerment as a strategy for poverty reduction.

The Summit expressed its appreciation to the Government and People of the Republic of Namibia for the warm hospitality extended to all delegates and facilities placed at their disposal that made this Summit a success. His Excellency Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, Vice President of the Republic of Angola, gave a vote of thanks and on behalf of President Jose Eduardo dos Santos invited all Heads of State and or Government to the Republic of Angola for the next Summit.

WINDHOEK, REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA AUGUST 17, 2010

By H. E. MR. JOSEPH KABILA KABANGE - PRESIDENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO 18-08-2010


AUGUST 17, 2010

Dear citizens of SADC,

Eighteen years ago, on the 17th August 1992, our organization was transformed from the Southern Africa Development Coordination Conference into the Southern African Development Community.

Since then, on the 17th August of each year, we celebrate the SADC Day.

The commemoration of this historic day allows us to rekindle the flame that the founding fathers of our
Community had lit thirty years ago. Indeed, it was in 1980 that the pioneers of our Community laid its founding stone, thereby deciding to merge the struggle for independence and political emancipation with that for economic and social development.

With Namibia achieving independence and the abolition of apartheid in South Africa, the first of these struggles resulted into a resounding victory. The Community has, since then, fully dedicated itself to the well-being of our people.

The 30th Summit of Heads of State and Government which is meeting today in Windhoek, Namibia, coincides with the celebration of the 30th anniversary of our Community.

Therefore, it affords us the unique opportunity to take stock of what we have achieved this far so as to chart a course for the future and increase the effectiveness of our integration and development strategies.

Dear SADC citizens,

When our organization was established, the main concern was to reduce the development backlog accumulated in various areas during the many years of resistance and liberation wars.

Rightly, the cooperation which was forged among our States was aimed mainly to meet the challenges of the time, namely poverty, the spread of highly debilitating diseases, particularly HIV and AIDS, food insecurity and insufficient trade among the countries of the Region.

We are still faced with these challenges.

However, other challenges have emerged.

Besides maintaining peace, security and stability, our Region must everyday face new challenges and keep abreast of the latest developments in order to become and remain competitive in an increasingly globalised world.

In this regard, the interconnectivity of our transport and energy infrastructure, the free movement of people, the sustainable and responsible management of our natural resources and the establishment in our region of a Free Trade Area are new priorities for our Community.

These challenges are not easy to overcome. But the history of our Region in the last three decades shows that we have collectively the will and means to address them.
Dear SADC citizens,

During the last thirty years, we have experienced times of political turmoil, wars and instability.

But we have also demonstrated the effectiveness of our mechanisms of cooperation and mediation.

Thanks to these mechanisms, most of our countries have effectively managed to overcome major challenges, restore peace, achieve national reconciliation and put in place democratic systems.

Overall, we can submit a positive report in the areas of politics, defence and security.

However, the results are mixed in the social and human development sector. It is true that notable achievements have been recorded in the field of gender in the last decade.

Similarly, some member States have made significant progress on the human development index (HDI), thanks mainly to the achievements made in the education sector.

However, the challenges have proved more difficult to overcome in the area of health as our region already the
highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rate on the continent.

It is nevertheless gratifying to note that, thanks to the concerted efforts in SADC and to the multisectoral approach defined in the Maseru Declaration, a growing number of patients has access to antiretroviral therapy.
Better still: the spread of the pandemic is decreasing across the Region.

Similar efforts are required in order to fight malaria, as well as other diseases which affect a great number of our population.

In the area of agriculture and food security, a significant increase in agricultural production has been recorded.

However, we still fall short of the objectives that we set in terms of universal access to food and in relation to the Maputo Declaration which requires that all African countries allocate 10 % of their national annual budget to agriculture.

I invite the Member States to make stronger commitments in this area.

Dear SADC citizens,

On the economic front, our Organisation is striving to create an enabling environment for growth and poverty reduction. To attain this objective, it is focusing on investment incentives, job creation and the growth of intraregional trade.

This has enabled our Region to record on average a growth rate higher than 3, 5% in the last fifteen years.

This remarkable result is due to the Member States who have understood the need for instruments such as the Protocol on Finance and Investment, the Memorandum of Understanding on Economic Convergence and the Protocol on Trade.

The Protocol on Trade was signed ten years ago, came into force in 2008 and has to date been ratified by 12 of 15.

Member States. It enshrines the establishment of a SADC Free Trade Area.

It is our obligation to create without any further delay the conditions to make the Protocol effective in the entire.

Region so that all the member States may benefit from this vast Free Trade Area.

Similarly, we have to pursue with determination our march towards the other milestones of our regional integration strategy, namely the Customs Union, the Common Market, the SADC Central Bank, the Monetary Union and the single currency.

In this regard, in addition to our economic convergence efforts, the development of our basic information and communication technology infrastructure is more than ever a priority if we want to reduce the Region's dependence on third parties.

In this instance, we need not only to consolidate our achievements but also take bold action.

Thus, in the field of transport, while capitalising on the benefits derived from the development of the various corridors that are already operational, it is necessary and urgent to develop a new master plan encompassing all the member States so as to remove major obstacles which continue to hamper this vital sector.

Concerning Information Technology, urgent measures have to be taken so as to benefit from the newly -established regional optic fibre connectivity, by developing internal telecommunication networks and by linking to the said fibre those countries which do not have yet access to it.

Coming to the energy shortfall, the problem has been partially resolved downstream with the establishment of the South African Power Pool (SAPP).

Challenges however still persist upstream.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is willing to participate in any equitable institutional arrangement that can help to improve regional power supply in a stainable manner.

She is equally available to assist in resolving other problems facing the Region.

I am aware that the same determination exists in all member States, as well as at the Secretariat.

It is for this reason that without any hesitation, I am inviting all of you to celebrate this SADC 30th anniversary with passion and commitment and express thus our faith in our Community as well as in a better future for each citizen of our region, Southern Africa.

Thank you