Story by Peter Chivhima
THE Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministers of Justice and Attorneys General have adopted several key regional initiatives and legal instruments aimed at strengthening regional integration, improving public health, and enhancing governance.
The high-level meeting brought together Ministers of Justice and Attorneys General from SADC member states to review recommendations from a four-day meeting of senior legal officials and chart the way forward for implementation across the region.
In welcoming delegates, Zimbabwe, through Attorney General Mrs Virginia Mabiza, underscored the importance of shared responsibility in advancing the rule of law and regional cooperation.
“As leaders entrusted with the administration of justice and the advancement of the rule of law, you play a critical role in shaping our future as a region. Through your leadership, our legal systems become stronger, our institutions become more effective, and our citizens gain greater confidence in the governance structures that serve them.
“There could hardly be a more fitting venue for this gathering than Victoria Falls. For centuries, the mighty Zambezi River has connected communities and countries across the region. As its waters know no borders, they remind us that while we are sovereign nations, our destinies remain closely linked together. And just as the river gathers strength from many tributaries, our community grows stronger when member states work together in pursuit of common objectives,” she said.
Briefing journalists after closed-door deliberations, the chairperson of the committee and South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Honourable Mmamaloko Kubayi, outlined the key outcomes of the meeting.
“SADC has adopted all the agenda items before it. In this regard, we have provided legal guidance and recommendations on several important matters that are critical to the advancement of the SADC regional integration agenda.
“The committee considered the draft agreement amending Article 33 of the SADC Treaty, the draft agreement establishing the SADC Tourism University, and the draft charter establishing the SADC Pharmaceuticals Pooled Procurement Services. These instruments will contribute significantly to strengthening regional cooperation, facilitating economic growth, enhancing public health systems, and promoting the movement of people and services within our region.
“We also took stock of progress regarding the re-operationalisation of the SADC Tribunal and reaffirmed our collective commitment to continue national consultations aimed at advancing this important process. Further matters relating to the SADC Administrative Tribunal and other legal and institutional issues requiring our attention and guidance were also considered,” said Honourable Kubayi.
SADC Executive Secretary, His Excellency Elias Magosi, expressed gratitude to Zimbabwe and other member states for their cooperation, while urging accelerated regional integration.
“The last meeting of the Committee was graciously hosted virtually by the Republic of Zimbabwe in July 2025. Today, the Republic of Zimbabwe has once again extended its generosity by welcoming us in person here in the majestic setting of Victoria Falls, despite it not chairing SADC at present.
“This noble gesture of solidarity reflects Zimbabwe’s commitment to the unity that defines our region and the work of this committee. Zimbabwe extended its generosity to support and anchor the current chair, the Republic of South Africa, and to share the load and responsibility that comes with holding the role of chair,” he said.
The outcomes of the meeting are expected to guide future policy decisions and reinforce the region’s commitment to legal reform, good governance and regional integration.
