By BRIAN HATYOKA in Victoria Falls town, Zimbabwe-
THE 34th ordinary Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government closed in Zimbabwe yesterday with the regional body signing five legal instruments aimed at deepening regional integration.
The five legal instruments are a protocol on the tribunal in the SADC region, protocol on environmental management for sustainable development, protocol on employment and labour and a declaration on
regional infrastructure development.
Namibia and South Africa signed the protocol on trade in services as they were the only two countries in the region which had not yet signed it.
Zambia’s Vice-President Guy Scott signed the various protocols on behalf of the Zambian Government.
And addressing delegates during the closing ceremony, SADC Chairperson Robert Mugabe said the decisions taken during the summit would only be meaningful if they were implemented accordingly.
Mr Mugabe, who is Zimbabwean President, said he would count on the support of individual and collective efforts of all member States to champion the regional agenda.
“I have no doubt that together we will work and succeed in our programmes. For those countries namely Mozambique and Namibia which will be having general elections soon, we wish you well and success,” Mr Mugabe said.
Meanwhile, two SADC Heads of State and Government nearing the end of their terms of office as stipulated by their national constitutions gave their farewell remarks during the Summit.
Outgoing Mozambique President, Armando Emilio Gwebuza said there was need to take the SADC region to greater higher levels.
Mr Gwebuza said there was need for the region to come up with programmes that put local people at the centre.
Outgoing Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba said it was imperative for the SADC to ensure that its protocols transformed the lives of people in the region.
Mr Pohamba urged the new SADC leadership to walk in the steps of their predecessors to promote unity and peace in the region.
“In November this year, the people of Namibia will hold general elections and I request SADC region to support our country.
I wish to pledge Namibia’s full cooperation and support to SADC and other activities of the region,” Mr Pohamba said.
The closing ceremony also saw the swearing ceremony for the new SADC Deputy Executive secretary Emily Mushobeka.
The Summit was attended by Mr Mugabe (Zimbabwe), Mr Pohamba (Namibia), Mr Gwebuza (Mozambique), Lesotho Prime Minister Thomas Thabane, Botswana President Seretse Khama Ian Khama, Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila, Madagascar President Hery
Rajaonarimapianina, Malawi President Arthur Mutharika and Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
Others are Seychelles Prime Minister James Alix Michel, South Africa President Jacob Zuma, Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete, Angola President Manuel Domingos Vicente, Swaziland Prime Minister Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini and Dr Scott for Zambia.