CAPE TOWN, Wednesday 21 October 2026 — President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has appointed a new Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration and selected an incoming chairperson of its Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
The decisions were taken during an extraordinary virtual summit of SADC heads of state and government on Wednesday, chaired by Ramaphosa in his capacity as the regional organisation’s chairperson.
The meeting was convened to resolve outstanding institutional leadership matters affecting regional economic integration and security cooperation.
Summit confirms senior appointments
In his closing remarks, Ramaphosa congratulated the newly appointed Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration.
The position is responsible for supporting the implementation of programmes intended to strengthen economic cooperation and integration among SADC member states.
Ramaphosa called on the SADC Secretariat to improve coordination, accelerate implementation and report regularly on obstacles affecting regional programmes.
The President also congratulated the incoming chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
The Presidency’s published closing remarks did not identify either appointee by name.
Regional security remains a priority
The leadership decisions come as Southern Africa continues to face political and security challenges.
In his opening address, Ramaphosa identified instability in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, political developments in Madagascar and security concerns in Mozambique as matters requiring continued regional attention.
He said SADC must support efforts to resolve conflict, strengthen democratic governance and promote political stability.
The Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation plays a central role in coordinating the regional organisation’s responses to these challenges.
King Mswati III of Eswatini currently chairs the organ.
South Africa leads regional organisation
South Africa assumed the SADC chairpersonship in August 2026, with Ramaphosa identifying industrialisation, infrastructure development and regional trade as priorities.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola also chairs the SADC Council of Ministers.
Wednesday’s summit considered reports and recommendations prepared by the council.
Ramaphosa thanked Lamola, SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi and officials involved in preparing the meeting.
The President said the regional organisation needed stronger institutions capable of translating political commitments into practical improvements for member states.
Further leadership framework expected
The summit also instructed the SADC Secretariat to prepare criteria and guidelines for future appointments to the leadership of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.
The Secretariat must submit a report to the organ’s ministerial committee at its July 2027 meeting.
The new leadership decisions form part of SADC’s broader efforts to strengthen institutional continuity and regional cooperation.
Further details concerning the appointees and their terms of office are expected through the regional organisation’s formal communications.
