The post-Robert Mugabe transition and rising political tension in the DRC are expected to top the agenda when President Jacob Zuma hosts his Angolan counterpart Joao Lourenco at the Union Buildings in Pretoria this Friday.
Lourenco is on his first ever state visit to a foreign country since winning the election in August to succeed Eduardo Dos Santos in September.
President Lourenco will lead a high level ministerial and business delegation to discuss investment opportunities in the two SADC countries.
Angola is one of South Africa’s major trading partners in the region.
The state visit to South Africa by Angolan President Joao Lourenco coincides with the inauguration of the Zimbabwean President-designate Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare.
Both President Zuma and Lourenco are expected to use their bilateral talks to discuss plans to ensure that there is a smooth transitional period in Zimbabwe.
Critics have accused SADC leaders of dragging their feet in reigning in Mugabe during his 37-year rule which ended after the intervention by the military, supported by popular protests.
Analysts believe that developments in Zimbabwe will force both leaders to pressure DRC President Joseph Kabila to stage elections after delays which have prolonged his stay in office.
