Ronald Lamola Outlines South Africa’s Priorities for SADC Chairpersonship

KwaZulu-Natal, 12 August 2026.

Acceptance speech and opening remarks by Mr. Ronald O. Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, on the occasion of the SADC Council of Ministers.

Programme Director;

Honourable Professor Amon Murwira, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Outgoing Chairperson of Council;

Incoming Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, the Republic of Zambia;

Honourable Ministers of Foreign Affairs from our sister countries of the SADC Region;

Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Mr Elias Magosi;

Chairperson of the Standing Committee of Senior Officials, Ambassador Tebogo Seokolo;