South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on Southern African leaders to deepen regional unity and integration, saying the region is bound by a shared history and a common aspiration for peace, justice and prosperity.
Ramaphosa made the call during a state banquet in eThekwini on Sunday, ahead of the 46th Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government in Durban on Monday.
Welcoming regional leaders and delegates to KwaZulu-Natal, Ramaphosa described Southern Africa as a family united by a common struggle and a shared vision for the future. He said the summit offered an opportunity to renew political commitments towards greater regional unity and integration.
The President said stronger regional cooperation was also necessary to improve citizens’ lives by building resilient economies and vibrant societies, particularly to meet the aspirations of young people across Southern Africa.
He described KwaZulu-Natal as a fitting venue for the summit because of its contribution to South Africa’s liberation struggle and Africa’s broader pursuit of independence and self-determination. He highlighted the legacies of Inkosi Albert Luthuli, John Langalibalele Dube and Pixley ka Isaka Seme.
Ramaphosa said the state banquet also provided an opportunity for leaders to strengthen personal and people-to-people ties beyond formal diplomatic engagements. He raised a toast to the continued unity, peace and prosperity of the SADC region.
The 46th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government will take place in Durban on Monday, with regional leaders expected to discuss peace and security, regional integration, economic development and the advancement of the SADC agenda.