SADC member states have been urged to deepen regional integration and cooperation by strengthening legal institutions and upholding the rule of law.
Addressing a dinner held in honour of Ministers of Justice and Attorneys General in Victoria Falls on Thursday evening, Deputy Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Nobert Mazungunye said the future of Southern Africa depends not only on political leadership but also on the contribution of legal experts in translating regional policies into practical outcomes.
Honourable Mazungunye emphasised that regional cooperation remains critical in addressing shared challenges and advancing collective solutions that improve the lives of citizens across Southern Africa.
The remarks come as the 44th SADC Ministers of Justice and Attorneys General Meeting brings together legal practitioners and policymakers from across the region to strengthen regional governance and integration.
The Committee of Ministers of Justice and Attorneys General is set to officially open on Friday, where delegates will consider draft recommendations and legal instruments emerging from the four-day meeting of Senior Legal Officials.
Among the key issues on the agenda are proposals to strengthen Article 33 of the SADC Treaty, which provides for the suspension or sanctioning of member states that fail to comply with the organisation’s principles and obligations.
The committee will also consider the proposed UNIVISA system, which would allow international tourists to travel across participating SADC countries using a single visa, as well as the SADC Protocol on Pharmaceutical Pooled Procurement Services.
The protocol seeks to reduce the cost of medicines and improve access to essential pharmaceutical products through joint procurement arrangements.
