The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has assured that comprehensive security arrangements are in place for the 46th Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit, which will take place in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal from 16 to 17 August.
Briefing the media on Friday, Chairperson of NATJOINTS Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said law enforcement, intelligence and emergency services are working together to ensure the safe and successful hosting of the regional gathering, which will bring together 12 Heads of State and Government as well as delegates from across SADC.
NATJOINTS said comprehensive security plans had already been activated for the summit, with law enforcement, intelligence and emergency services coordinating preparations for the arrival of regional leaders and delegations.
“Comprehensive security plans have already been activated. All law enforcement, intelligence and emergency services are working together to ensure the successful hosting of this important regional event,” Mosikili said.
The summit will culminate a week-long programme of technical, ministerial and political engagements and will see President Cyril Ramaphosa formally assume the SADC Chairpersonship for the 2026/27 term.
The security arrangements form part of broader efforts to ensure that the summit takes place in a safe and secure environment.
Additional operational details will be communicated closer to the summit.
NATJOINTS said South Africa’s security structures remain fully prepared and coordinated to maintain peace, stability and the rule of law.
The security preparations come as the country continues to strengthen its response to public order challenges, border security and other security concerns.
The Durban summit will mark an important milestone for South Africa as President Ramaphosa formally assumes the chairpersonship of the 16-member regional bloc for the 2026/27 term.
South Africa is hosting the summit under the theme: “Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Industrialisation through Infrastructure Development, Agricultural and Critical Minerals Transformation in Pursuit of a Just World.”
The summit process began this week with technical meetings at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban and will culminate in the meeting of Heads of State and Government on 17 August.
The programme is designed to allow officials and ministers to consider and refine issues before they are presented to Heads of State and Government for adoption.
The Standing Committee of Senior Officials is meeting from 6 to 7 August to consider reports from SADC sectoral structures and make recommendations to Ministers.
The Finance Committee will meet on 8 August to consider the regional budget, resource mobilisation and financial sustainability.
From 9 to 11 August, officials will finalise documentation ahead of the SADC Council of Ministers, which will meet from 12 to 14 August.
READ | All systems go for SADC Summit
Peace and security
Regional peace and security will receive particular attention ahead of the Heads of State and Government Summit.
The Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation is scheduled to meet on 15 August, followed by the Organ Troika Summit on 16 August.
Heads of State and Government are expected to arrive on 16 August ahead of the official opening of the Summit and a State Banquet hosted by President Ramaphosa.
The security discussions take place against a backdrop of continued regional efforts to promote peace, stability and cooperation among SADC Member States.
Migration
Migration management is expected to be another important issue at the Summit, with South Africa set to use the regional platform to advance greater cooperation on migration-related challenges.
The discussions will take place as South Africa continues to strengthen border security and address irregular migration, including the unlawful employment of undocumented migrants and compliance with immigration and labour legislation.
The country is also pursuing measures to address corruption within migration systems.
Government’s approach is centred on managing migration in a lawful, orderly, humane and effective manner, in line with the Constitution and South Africa’s international obligations. – SAnews.gov.za
