Ramaphosa's maiden speech at 38th Southern African Development Summit

He mentioned about the origins of SADC and the treaty that helped in its formation with its objectives to forge regional integration, better the lives of the people, promote democracy and economic prosperity and ensure peace and security.

The ongoing 38th Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Windhoek, Namibia with the theme "Promoting Infrastructure Development and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development" heard a powerful maiden speech by South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa who talked about the integrity and solidarity the SADC nations are maintaining amongst themselves.

He said that the friendships go back to the formation of the Frontline States, whose resolve to strengthen historical, social and cultural relations among the people continues to this day.

He mentioned about the origins of SADC and the treaty that helped in its formation with its objectives to forge regional integration, better the lives of the people, promote democracy and economic prosperity and ensure peace and security.

He then goes on and comments on the various challenges that still pose hindrance, particularly the ones related to a lack of adequate infrastructure, underdevelopment, poverty, the effects of climate change, and the spread of communicable diseases. However, he is confident enough that the SADC is working in a positive trajectory to eradicate them.

He said that various plans that are undertaken and implemented accordingly to tackle the challenges are the Revised Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (2015-2020), the Regional Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap, the Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan, and the Strategic Indicative Plan of the Organ. These plans are working for the sustainable development of the SADC countries.

He mentioned in his speech that the SADC's priorities are inextricably in a link to the Continental Agenda and in particular the implementation of the African Union's Agenda 2063.

The priorities require continuous efforts to support the COMESA - EAC - SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area as an important building block towards the achievement of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

He remarked on the peacefulness and stability of the nation and the maintenance of democracy, law and good governance.

He concluded his speech by talking about South Africa's National Development Plan in alignment with the visions of SADC's objectives.

Through his speech, he opened his arms for collective action, shared accountability to maintain the integration of the agenda of SADC.