SADC ministers talk about Africa’s upliftment

South Africa intends to make its remaining term as  SADC Chair as  an era to fast track industrialization and cross border collaboration

Minister of International Relations Lindiwe Sisulu said this as she opened the SADC Council of Ministers meeting in Pretoria on Monday.

Among notable new ministers, is Zimbabwe’s retired Lieutenant General Sibusiso Moyo who says his country’s new administration is legitimate to run the coming elections, contrary to some objections.

Taking over as head of regional ministers, South Africa has a tall order and vision for the region, which is underpinned by industrialisation, and to take advantage of the African Free Trade Area agreement signed in Kigali

“Countries should engage the private sector to advance regional industrialisation. SADC should engage the private sector as part of the regional strategy. South Africa is working on high impact cross border projects, our vision in our chairpersonship is to provide an enabling environment for high impact cross border projects that we have outlined,” said Sisulu.

The Bloc continues to attract funding from the European Union and the African Development Bank. However, HIV/AIDS mitigation strategies may suffer if countries don’t act swiftly to take over previously funded projects

In relation to HIV global funding coming to an end in December 2017, member states are expected to take over the 32 sites

Regime change in Zimbabwe, elections in Angola, and some cabinet reshuffles have brought in new ministers to the council.

The Minister from the newest member of SADC, Comoros, was also welcome.

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