Ramaphosa calls for stronger SADC unity

South African President and SADC Chairperson Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the people of Southern Africa to renew their commitment to regional unity, peace, integration and shared prosperity.

Ramaphosa delivered the message on Monday, 17 August 2026, as SADC marked its annual SADC Day alongside the 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Durban, South Africa.

He said the commemoration belonged to all people of the region, who shared a common history, similar aspirations and a collective responsibility to build a better future.

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Ramaphosa described Southern Africa as a region connected by its landscapes, waterways and wildlife, with the Zambezi, Limpopo and Okavango rivers linking countries across natural borders.

This year’s SADC Day coincides with the 46th anniversary of the founding of the regional community. The summit is being held in eThekwini, an area historically associated with King Shaka kaSenzangakhona.

The SADC Summit is being held under the theme, “Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World.”

Ramaphosa said the theme reflected the region’s determination to promote industrialisation, strengthen food security, increase value addition and develop modern infrastructure connecting SADC member states.

He said regional integration remained necessary for economic transformation and called for stronger value chains, fewer non tariff barriers, improved trade procedures and increased investment in productive sectors.

“The future of Southern Africa depends on our collective ability to accelerate beneficiation, support small and medium-sized enterprises and create opportunities for our growing and dynamic youth population,” Ramaphosa said.

He said the African Continental Free Trade Area provided an opportunity for SADC to become a more competitive, integrated and industrialised economic hub.

Ramaphosa also called for greater political cohesion and economic cooperation as the region faced geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate change and increased competition for strategic resources.

He said the relative peace and stability enjoyed by much of Southern Africa remained important for development and growth.

The President thanked the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, peacekeeping personnel and institutions working to protect regional stability.

He said SADC had made progress in various sectors through the collective efforts of member states, but called for greater focus on implementation and measurable results.

South Africa, which currently chairs SADC, committed itself to advancing the regional agenda in partnership with all member states.

Ramaphosa said SADC Vision 2050, the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan 2020 to 2030 and the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap should guide the region’s work.

He called for stronger coordination, regional unity and a shared voice in international affairs.

The SADC chairperson said the success of the regional community should ultimately be measured by the daily experiences of its citizens.

“At its core, SADC is defined by its people, by their resilience, ingenuity and enduring hope for a better future,” he said.

Ramaphosa urged citizens across Southern Africa to celebrate the bonds that connect them and to commit themselves to building a peaceful, integrated and prosperous region.

The 46th SADC Summit is expected to continue discussions on industrialisation, infrastructure, agriculture, critical minerals, trade, peace, security and regional integration.