SADC PEACE AND SECURITY DIRECTOR VISITS ESWATINI

BY SIFISO NHLABATSI MBABANE – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat has stepped up engagement with Eswatini following the Kingdom's assumption of the Chairship of the regional bloc's Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. This was highlighted on Tuesday when Director of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs at the SADC Secretariat, Professor Kula Ishmael Theletsane, paid a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu. Senator Shakantu is the Chairperson of the Ministerial Committee of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Theletsane's visit marked the commencement of the SADC Secretariat's briefing mission to Eswatini, with the professor accompanied by a team of Secretariat officials. Eswatini assumed the Chairship of the Organ on August 17, 2026, after being elected by the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government. During the meeting, the SADC delegation briefed the Minister on key developments, priorities, programmes and activities being implemented under the Organ. The engagement also provided an opportunity to discuss progress in promoting peace, security, political cooperation and regional stability. Theletsane reaffirmed the Secretariat's commitment to supporting Eswatini in its new leadership role. He stressed the importance of 'close collaboration between Member States and the Secretariat' in promoting peace, security, democracy and sustainable development across the region. Senator Shakantu welcomed the delegation and reiterated Eswatini's commitment to advancing the Organ's objectives. She emphasised the need for 'continued regional solidarity, dialogue and cooperation' in addressing emerging political, peace and security challenges affecting SADC Member States. The visit comes as Eswatini begins its tenure leading one of SADC's key institutions, which is responsible for advancing regional peace, security, political stability and good governance. Through the Chairship, Eswatini will provide political oversight and strategic guidance on the Organ's programmes and priorities, including preventive diplomacy, conflict resolution, election observation, mediation and security cooperation.