President Jacob Zuma has been selected to chair the Southern African Development organ on politics, defence and security, his office said on Wednesday.
In a statement, Zuma said the country was honoured to lead the Southern African Development Community troika and would build on the good work done by Zambia, the previous chair.
“We are going to continue taking critical steps of creating conditions for peace, stability and good neighbourliness, as a prerequisite for regional economic integration,” said Zuma
“We will continue to render whatever assistance and support necessary to the people of Zimbabwe, Madagascar and Lesotho, as well as to support the post-conflict reconstruction efforts in the DRC [Democratic Republic of Congo],” said Zuma.
Southern African leaders met Wednesday for a two-day summit in Angola.
The summit opened amidst growing regional unrest and anti-government protests, and leadership crises in Zimbabwe and Madagascar. — Sapa