On 24 April 2026, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation successfully concluded a three-day SADC Inter-departmental Workshop aimed at strengthening a “whole-of-government” approach in preparation for the country’s upcoming chairship of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The workshop brought together key government departments and stakeholders to align national priorities with regional commitments, reinforcing South Africa’s dedication to advancing SADC Vision 2050 and promoting inclusive growth, stability, and prosperity across the region.
A Shift from Policy to Execution
Delivering a keynote address, Minister Ronald Lamola emphasised the need for a decisive shift in approach as South Africa prepares to assume its leadership role within SADC.
He highlighted that while the region has established strong frameworks and visionary strategies, the central challenge remains translating these into tangible, measurable outcomes. The Minister underscored that South Africa’s chairship will prioritise disciplined implementation, ensuring that policies deliver real benefits to citizens across the region.
Building Strategic Resilience in a Changing World
Against a backdrop of global uncertainty and economic volatility, the workshop stressed the importance of building strategic resilience within the SADC region. Participants agreed that regional integration must be both practical and adaptive, enabling member states to respond effectively to external shocks while safeguarding economic stability.
This approach aligns with broader continental and global priorities, positioning Southern Africa as a resilient and competitive region in an evolving international landscape.
Advancing a People-Centred Integration Agenda
A key theme emerging from the workshop was the need to make regional integration meaningful and accessible to ordinary citizens. Minister Lamola called for the development of a compelling narrative that resonates with communities across SADC, emphasising that integration is not merely a policy concept but a pathway to shared prosperity.
By focusing on inclusive development, job creation, and economic opportunity, South Africa aims to ensure that the benefits of regional cooperation are widely felt and clearly understood.
Strengthening Government Coordination
The workshop also reinforced the importance of a coordinated, cross-government approach to regional engagement. By aligning departmental strategies and improving collaboration, South Africa is positioning itself to lead an effective and results-driven SADC chairship.
This “whole-of-government” model is expected to enhance policy coherence, improve implementation efficiency, and strengthen South Africa’s ability to deliver on regional commitments.
Looking Ahead to South Africa’s SADC Chairship
As South Africa prepares to take on the SADC chairship, the outcomes of this workshop signal a clear and ambitious direction: moving from vision to action. With a focus on execution, resilience, and people-centred development, the country is poised to play a transformative leadership role in advancing regional integration.
The workshop’s conclusions reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to fostering a more integrated, prosperous, and resilient Southern African region—one where policy translates into real impact for all.
Images: DIRCO
